W0049 Wall Hanging Shelf in Cocobolo Wood by Jörg Pietschmann

Jörg Pietschmann creates sculptural furniture and decor from the hardwood that is native to the region where his workshop is based in Hamburg. His hand-carved walnut benches and coffee tables, with their gnarled tops and natural edges, make for a guaranteed focal point in any living room, while his oak vases and centerpieces have a rustic yet elegant appeal, and feature the knots and cracks that characterized the surfaces of the material it was still in the forest.

Pietschmann works with local timber like poplar, maple and beech, as well as exotic lumber found on his travels. Each piece tells a story of the landscape from which it came.

Pietschmann's love of carving and nature began as a young boy in the countryside of East Germany. He always carried a pocket knife to whittle pieces of wood, and he recalls being artistically inspired by the ruins of the area's abandoned manor houses. As he grew older, Pietschmann's design influences also expanded to include the decorative objects and architecture of ancient cultures like the Egyptians, Vincas, Mayas and the Aztecs. Pietschmann's modern design influences include master woodworkers George Nakashima, Wharton Esherick, Alexander Noll and Sam Maloof.

Before he begins working on a tree trunk, Pietschmann tries to get a feel for what kind of sculpture or object it will be. For every tree, the sculptor strives to preserve its unique character, which means that no two resulting pieces are alike (and no resin, metal or lacquer is used in his process). He follows the form and curves of each piece of wood, allowing the piece to take shape as he works. A final coat of oil renders prominent the striking grain and natural warmth of the material. 

Pietschmann has exhibited his work in Europe and in the United States. He lives and works in Germany.

On 1stDibs, find Jörg Pietschmann tables, serveware, decorative objects and more.

Galerie Philia is an international contemporary sculptural design and art gallery representing emerging and established designers and artists. The gallery is the brainchild of two brothers who share a lifetime passion for art, literature and philosophy. Their distinct academic background sets them apart from their peers, as it sees them following a rhizomatic and transcultural approach in the way they select works. This involves combining elements from multiple cultures in what becomes a network of harmoniously interconnected roots, ultimately revealing the beauty of each unique creation. The gallery’s non-hierarchical curation sits apart from the ephemerality of trends and focuses instead on the true aesthetic quality of the piece – alluring and timeless. Unlike others, Galerie Philia does not focus on a single style – whether minimalist, organic or raw – but rather embraces heterogeneity. The Galerie Philia takes pride in discovering new talents, providing them with multiple international platforms to showcase their latest creations. As well as propelling the newest generation of 21st century collectible design, Galerie Philia also works with internationally known design artists. Galerie Philia has a strong international presence, with galleries in Geneva, New York and Singapore. In addition to their permanent spaces, the gallery organizes temporary group exhibitions and artists residencies in first-class locations around the world.