Dark and Light

Dark and light marry the old and new of carpentry, it is a piece that highlights the structural principles and construction elements found in Japanese craftsmanship - with the use of Yakisugi to create a bold striking difference between the blonde and black wood and joinery with blonde dowels to emphasis components so often overseen.

Connecting the unseen textured parts with the modern-day CNC machined seat and back that are softer and smoothly curved.

In the Making

This project from ideation, concept design and final product was done by myself and took around 5 months.

The process

Here is a quick overview of some of the processes involved in the manufacture of this chair, from Lathe work wood turning to Yakisugi wood scorching in the forge, CNC curved shapes, hand chiseled joinery, mortise cutter for square holes, beeswax coating and many many more.

I wanted this process to be a hands on making experience to learn from experience and to give a human touch.

Details and Joinery

The use of blonde dowels to highlight the joinery is a statement on the hidden art of carpentry and with a combination of Japanese joints and well known parts that are half lap joint and an angled mortise and tenon joint.

Though I am not a craftsman I take a lot of admiration from their dedication and work.

Angled mortise and tenon joint with a shoulder cut in the beam and a square dowel to wedge them.

Full view of under structural components of the chair.

Close up on front and back structure beams intersection with a half lap joint and square dowel.

Showcasing my design work and creative journey.

Design

info@isobelstaley.com