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.
Henry the Armchair in White Ash
By Brian Holcombe
Located in Princeton, NJ
Henry the armchair is an original design by Brian Holcombe. Ergonomically designed around the human proportion this chair accommodates comfortable seating. These chairs are individu...
Ash, Walnut
Spindle Back Dining Chair in White Ash by Brian Holcombe
By Brian Holcombe
Located in Princeton, NJ
In designing this chair I wanted to best utilize the best and most practical aspects of the classical Windsor chair and apply them in contemporary proportion. The genius of the class...
Ash
Henry the Armchair in Walnut
By Brian Holcombe
Located in Princeton, NJ
Henry the armchair is an original design by Brian Holcombe. Ergonomically designed around the human proportion this chair accommodates comfortable seating. These chairs are individu...
Walnut
Bedside Table in White Ash with Oil Finish
By Brian Holcombe
Located in Princeton, NJ
Contemporary take on Sashimono furniture, utilizing carefully handmade interlocking joinery. This nightstand features a drawer made with handcut dovetailed construction. In traditional Sashimono drawers are made to fit and function in very exacting fashion, this drawer uses...
Ash
Dovetailed Stool in Walnut
By Brian Holcombe
Located in Princeton, NJ
In designing this bench I took cues from sashimono, seeking an outwardly simple aesthetic which gives way to more elaborate detail upon a closer look. In building this bench I utiliz...
Walnut
Henry the Armchair in Walnut with Upholstered Seat
By Brian Holcombe
Located in Princeton, NJ
Henry the armchair is an original design by Brian Holcombe. Ergonomically designed around the human proportion this chair accommodates comfortable seating. These chairs are indivi...
Walnut
Natural White Ash Lineground no. 2 Counter Stool by A. Jacob Marks
Located in Geneve, CH
Natural Walnut Lineground no. 2 Counter Chair by SKRAM Dimensions: W 51 x D 53 x H 91 cm. Materials: Natural Walnut. LC4 The lineground no. 2 stools are offered in 2 models for coun...
Walnut
Clarkester Counter Stool Maple White
Located in Cincinnati, US
A perfect mix of Scandinavian inspiration and industrial flare that cohesively come together to make a statement piece which embodies simplicity, functionality and elegance. The ...
Steel
Modern Wood Stool by Pierre Sarkis
By Pierre Sarkis
Located in Guatemala City, Central America
Modern Wood Stool by Pierre Sarkis from Celine collection. Accent stool, butterfly outdoor set. Fine and selected tropical woods and natural fibers, ...
Upholstery, Wood
Counter Stool Aratú. All solid wood.
By Valter Costa Lima
Located in BR
Inspired by the Aratu crabs, creatures with both robust and slender forms, the Aratu Chair has emerged. It pays homage to the engineers of mangrove ecosystems who witness the dance of the tides, continually rejuvenating the life of our coastlines. Experience the Counter Stool Aratú and enjoy its captivating presence! To clean your Counter Stoo, simply use a dry and soft cloth or a duster. Avoid using abrasive products, solvents, ammonia, chlorine, steel wool, or similar materials. There may be small variations in measurements as this is a handmade piece. Use a soft dry cloth or duster to clear. Do not use abrasive products, solvents, ammonia, chlorine, steel wool or similar materials. We only use solid wood. In some cases, there may be variations in tone due to the natural characteristics of the material. We are pleased to offer assistance...
Fabric, Hardwood
Clarkester Bar Stool Maple White
Located in Cincinnati, US
A perfect mix of Scandinavian inspiration and industrial flare that cohesively come together to make a statement piece which embodies simplicity, functionality and elegance. The ...
Steel
Beachcomber Counter Stool in White Oak
By Greg Mitchell
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Light and strong, the beachcomber bar stool evokes the sight of an old wooden monohull, it's lean, sturdy mast together with the rigging worthy o...
Oak
