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.
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
$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
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
$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
$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
$2,324
H 85.44 in W 24.22 in D 7.68 in
Vintage Wood Room Divider, Mid-Century Modern, 1967, 217cm Tall
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Vintage wood room divider - 1960s Wear consistent with age and use. Room divider - Séparateur de pièce Measures : 61,5x19,5cm H:217cm
Wood
$1,665 / item
H 68.5 in W 47.25 in D 0.5 in
Hand-Forged Wrought Iron Folding Moorish Screen with Three Panels
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Hand-forged folding Moroccan screen with three panels decorated with Moorish designs. Classic and elegant Art & Craft this highly embellished, detailed folding screen divider in the Mediterranean Spanish style would embellish any room, garden or wall, Santa Barbara style. Could make an amazing headboard. Three panels with Moorish designs in repeat. Heavy and well-made original condition. Each panel: 68.5" high, 15.75" wide Folds up for easy storage. Rustic Spanish colonial style wrought iron window grill...
Wrought Iron
Unusual 4-Panel Traditional Meji Japanese Shoji Screen / Room Divider
Located in Buffalo, NY
Unusual 4-panel traditional Meji, Japanese Shoji screen / room divider, beautifully crafted, stunning design! Architectural, four hinged panels,...
Wood
$3,998Sale Price|20% Off
H 107.49 in W 62.21 in D 4.73 in
Antique Double Door Carved in Walnut Complete with Frame, Early 1900s, Italy
Located in Cuneo, Italy (CN)
Antique double-wing door, carved in walnut and complete with frame, hand-built in the first quarter of the 20th century, from Turin (Italy), maximum size 158 x 273 cm, door width 123...
Walnut
Folding Screen Room Divider in Solid Wood
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this folding screen made in solid wood with brass details, circa 1950.
Cedar
Folding Screen Room Divider in the Style of Clar Porset
By Clara Porset
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1950, we offer this fantastic folding screen room divider in the style of Clara Porset, made in mahogany wood and palm cords, fantastic vintage conditions.
Pine
Richard "Dick" Harvey Sculpta Grille Room Divider by Modernica
By Don Harvey
Located in Dallas, TX
This is a free standing "Contemporary" model C-20 Sculpta room divider. Born in 1919 and raised in New York City, Richard "Dick" Harvey studied art at Brooklyn Tech High school an...
Resin, Wood
$2,975Sale Price|20% Off
H 83.08 in W 37.8 in D 2.76 in
Antique Entrance Door in Walnut with Carved Decorations, 19th Century, Italy
Located in Cuneo, Italy (CN)
Antique double-wing entrance door, hand-carved in solid walnut with carved tile decorations, built in the middle of the 19th century for a palace entrance ...
Walnut