Shelf in reclaimed Chinese elm and reclaimed kapur.

A commissioned piece for Tasmin. Tasmin hails from South Africa and I specially designed this heirloom piece to remind her of home. I am so grateful that she gave me the creative space to design this! “Please take care of the design.” was all she said after I visited her place and had a chat with her. 

Using Chinese Elm that used to be a beam in a Chinese village and Kapur that used to be flooring in old Singapore shophouses, they are now given a new lease of life that Tasmin will keep for a long, long time. 

The frame is held together entirely by mortise and tenon joints on the verticals and top and bottom stretchers are dovetailed to hold the 2 verticals together. Needless to say, no nails and screws used. 

Finished using 5 layers of hand rubbed tung oil up to 1200 grit paper and 0000 wire wool for the silky feel.