Brian Holcombe is a woodworker specializing in handmade, one-of-a-kind furniture influenced by Japanese sashimono techniques and furniture of the Chinese Ming Dynasty. All of Holcombe’s woodwork is joined together without the use of fasteners, nails or screws, and units like his credenzas and cabinets often feature shoji — traditional Japanese sliding doors or screens. His work is mid-century modern in style but thoughtfully traditional in construction as it draws on the materials and techniques once favored by the Samurai and wealthy merchants of Asia.
His studio, where he builds elegant bookcases, daybeds, benches and other pieces, is in Princeton, New Jersey. By creating his furniture by hand, Holcombe intimately understands the nature of each material he uses. While much of his work is made of wood, the use of various types, including ash, walnut and mahogany, gives a sophisticated variation to the furniture, with brass accents furthering the depth of its design. Holcombe uses mulberry paper for his sliding door pieces and offers a live edge on some products, like his dining room tables.
In addition to producing beautiful furniture, Holcombe teaches woodworking classes both in person and online, including workshops on hand tools, interlocking techniques and shoji doors. Publications such as Fine Woodworking and Handwork Magazine have featured his expert work.
On 1stDibs, find a collection of Brian Holcombe seating, tables, storage case pieces and more.
Live Edge Trestle Leg Dining Table in Oiled Maple
By Brian Holcombe
Located in Princeton, NJ
This handmade heavy slab trestle leg dining table features elements unique to traditional Japanese timber framing carpentry work making this a subtle and very sturdy dining table...
Maple
Trestle Base Bench Seat in Quarter Sawn Walnut by Brian Holcombe
Located in Princeton, NJ
Trestle base bench in quarter sawn walnut created utilizing the techniques of Japanese temple carpentry. This bench is created using interlocking wooden joinery and without metal fas...
Walnut
Dovetailed Bench in Mahogany
By Brian Holcombe
Located in Princeton, NJ
In designing this bench I took cues from sashimono, seeking a outwardly simple aesthetic which gives way to more elaborate detail upon a closer look. In building this bench I utilize...
Mahogany
Dovetailed Bench in Mahogany by Brian Holcombe
By Brian Holcombe
Located in Princeton, NJ
In designing this bench I took cues from sashimono, seeking a outwardly simple aesthetic which gives way to more elaborate detail upon a closer look. In building this bench I utilize...
Mahogany
Dovetailed Bench in Walnut
By Brian Holcombe
Located in Princeton, NJ
In designing this bench I took cues from sashimono, seeking a outwardly simple aesthetic which gives way to more elaborate detail upon a closer look. In building this bench I utilize...
Walnut
Trestle Leg Dining Table in Oiled Ash
By Brian Holcombe
Located in Princeton, NJ
This handmade heavy slab trestle leg dining table features elements unique to traditional Japanese timber framing carpentry work making this a subtle and ...
Ash
Solid French Walnut Live Edge Bench
By George Nakashima
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This exquisite piece is crafted out of a beautiful 3in solid slab of live edge french walnut, with block legs made of american walnut. Along the cut edge of the slab additional piece...
Ebony, Walnut
Handcrafted Live Edge Cherry Bench with leaf Motif Inlays by PJ Spring
By George Nakashima
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A finely made bench in solid cherry, created by a contemporary studio furniture maker, PJ Spring. known for warm natural materials and detailed handwork. The seat shows rich color va...
Cherry
Contemporary Live Edge Style Bench in Solid Oak
Located in Burlăceni, Cahul District
Contemporary Live Edge Style Bench in Solid Oak Transform your space with the natural beauty and modern design of our Contemporary Live Edge Style Bench in Solid Oak. This stunning ...
Oak
Live Edge Walnut Bench, Wabi-Sabi, Brutalist, Organic, Log Furniture, Logniture
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
Embrace the essence of wabi-sabi with our walnut bench, meticulously crafted from a walnut wood. This bench is a celebration of natural beauty, showcasing the unique imperfections th...
Wood, Walnut
Andrianna Shamaris Live Edge Teak Wood Bench
By Andrianna Shamaris
Located in New York, NY
Impressive live edge reclaimed teak bench. Stunning grain in this single three inch thick slab with a natural oil finish. We added the mid century style legs and can also increase the height for a console. Please inquire. Perfect for inside or out side living. 100 x 20...
Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood
Live Edge Walnut Bench, Wabi-Sabi, Brutalist, Organic, Log Furniture, Logniture
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
Embrace the essence of wabi-sabi with our walnut bench, meticulously crafted from a walnut wood. This bench is a celebration of natural beauty, showcasing the unique imperfections th...
Wood, Walnut
