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.
$3,800 / item
Dovetailed Corner Long 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
$4,500 / item
Tea House Chair in Mahogany
By Brian Holcombe
Located in Princeton, NJ
In designing this chair I took cues from both Japanese sashimono and English windsor chairs, seeking a outwardly simple aesthetic which gives way to more elaborate detail upon a clos...
Mahogany
$2,950 / item
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
Shoji Privacy Screen in Walnut with Washi, Room Divider
By Brian Holcombe
Located in Princeton, NJ
Freestanding privacy screen made in the style of traditional shoji with a detailed kumiko pattern featuring washi. This screen is lightweight but highly resistant to tipping. It can ...
Walnut
$3,995Sale Price / item|15% Off
Live Edge Trestle Bench in Cherry 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 utilized joinery unique to Japanese timber carpentry. This bench utilizes joinery found in traditional Japanese carpentry...
Cherry
$2,950 / item
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
$3,500 / item
Trestle Cocktail Table in Mahogany
By Brian Holcombe
Located in Princeton, NJ
In designing this table I took cues from both Japanese sashimono and traditional timber framing seeking a outwardly simple aesthetic which gives way to more elaborate detail upon a c...
Mahogany
$2,000 / item
H 17 in W 36 in D 12 in
Walnut Knife Beam Bench 3' Long Solid Wood + Blackened Steel by Alabama Sawyer
By Alabama Sawyer
Located in Birmingham, AL
Our knife beam bench in walnut utilizes salvaged walnut wood logs for a rustic bench. Narrow and backless, the simple lines express the natural texture of the end grain of each species. The 12" x 12" beam is milled and finished to sit raised by a mild steel base with a black patina. The beam bench brings rustic beauty at a variety of lengths. Cracks, knots, saw marks and variation is part of the beauty of these pieces. The wood will continue to move and the finish to patina over time. The knife walnut beam bench makes a cozy coffee table in a den or living room or low table in a mud room or entry hall for flexible use as a place to place packages and bags or to remove shoes. With the oiled finish used on the knife walnut beam bench, we do not recommend putting this bench outside...
Steel
$1,698 / item
H 28 in W 36 in D 6 in
Fireplace Screen in Metal with a Blackened Steel Finish Customizable
By Redsoul
Located in Seattle, WA
The Court Screen is a modern metal fireplace screen cover that can be used flush fitted into the fireplace opening or can stand right outside a ...
Steel
$2,000 / item
H 18 in W 48 in D 15 in
Shou Sugi Ban 4 foot Wood Bench Pine Corten Steel by Alabama Sawyer
By Alabama Sawyer
Located in Birmingham, AL
Our beam bench utilizes salvaged local pine logs for a rustic bench for indoors or outdoors. Narrow and backless, the simple lines express the natural texture of the end grain of eac...
Steel
Bronze MFA Bench by American Studio Craft Artist David N. Ebner
By David N. Ebner
Located in Bellport, NY
An awarding winning bronze studio crafted bench by American artist, David N. Ebner. MFA stands for Museum of Fine Arts and located in Boston, MA. This piece has a wonderful Asian el...
Bronze
Folding Screen Room Divider in Solid Mahogany
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this folding screen made in solid frames of mahogany wood with brass details, circa 1950.
Mahogany
$2,794 / item
H 18 in W 72 in D 15 in
Rustic Pine Beam Bench Pine and Corten Steel Base by Alabama Sawyer 6'
By Alabama Sawyer
Located in Birmingham, AL
Our beam bench utilizes salvaged local pine logs for a rustic bench for indoors or outdoors. Narrow and backless, the simple lines express the natural textu...
Steel
$476Sale Price|20% Off
H 68.5 in W 25.25 in D 1.12 in
Japanese Fine Pair Arts And Crafts Shoji Door Screens
Located in South Burlington, VT
Japan, a fine pair of two simple shoji bamboo doors or screens creating an arts and crafts look. The pair are hinged together for convenient display with attractive portals above; ...
Bamboo, Wood
$3,790
H 35.44 in W 71.66 in D 20.08 in
20th Century Catalan Bench in Walnut with Upholstered Seat and Arms
Located in Miami, FL
Rare midcentury sofa, settee or bench in the Spanish style This elegant antique Spanish bench showcases timeless craftsmanship and understated sophistication. Crafted from solid wood...
Walnut
Antique Cast Stone Bench on Pedestals
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cast stone garden bench. Slight curve seat sits on two pedestals with carvings. Beautiful aged patina adding elegance to any garden space or e...
Cast Stone
$760Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 71 in W 27.25 in D 1.12 in
Japanese Matching Set of Two Fine Birds And Dragonfly Shoji Doors Screens
Located in South Burlington, VT
Japan, a fine set of two shoji "Birds and Dragonfly" bamboo doors or screens recently acquired from a Japanese private collector. The hand carved boards are artistically cut and ins...
Bamboo, Wood
$280 / item
H 33.46 in W 17.71 in D 17.71 in
Garden Chairs in Brown Wrought Iron with Cushions. Indoor & Outdoor
Located in Miami, FL
Garden chairs in brown wrought iron.
Wrought Iron
Garden Chair in Wrought Iron with cushion
Located in Miami, FL
Garden chairs in wrought iron for indoor or outdoor You must indicate if you want the product with the special treatment for outdoor. ...
Wrought Iron
Shoji Privacy Screen in Walnut with Washi, Room Divider
By Brian Holcombe
Located in Princeton, NJ
Freestanding privacy screen made in the style of traditional shoji with a detailed kumiko pattern featuring washi. This screen is lightweight but highly resistant to tipping. It can be very easily repositioned for use in many settings. The screen shown is made of walnut but this can be created in yellow...
Walnut