Solid ebony, carved as functional art
Solid ebony furniture is rare because ebony is one of the densest woods a carver can choose. It is dark, hard and slow to work, and its density calls for patient, precise carving. The pieces below are carved by hand from solid ebony, each by a named master carver, and each exists only once.
Why ebony
Ebony is black or near-black through the heartwood, not only on the surface. Carved, it takes a deep natural polish without stain or lacquer. Its density makes fine detail possible: faces, figures and roots that would break in a softer wood hold their edge in ebony.
That same density is what makes it hard. Large solid ebony trunks are scarce, and every cut is final. This is why ebony wood furniture made by hand is rare, and why a one of a kind piece in solid ebony can never be duplicated.
The ebony pieces in the collection
Tables
- Ebony Root Dining Table: the carving follows the form of the root itself.
- Makonde Ebony Side Table: Makonde figures carved into the structure.
- Shetani Side Table: carved in the Shetani idiom, a Makonde genre of spirit figures.
Lighting
- Tall Makonde Ebony Sculptural Floor Lamp
- Makonde Ebony Floor Lamp
- Three-Figure Floor Lamp
- Makonde 3-Lamp and Makonde 2-Lamp
Sculpture
- Tall Makonde Ebony Sculpture
- Massive Ebony Lion Head Sculpture
- Legacy Ebony Boat Sculpture
- Ebony Makonde Sculpture
- Makonde Decorative Ebony Sculpture
Functional sculpture in ebony
The tables and lamps above are functional sculpture: carved works that are also used every day. A side table holds a glass, a floor lamp lights a room, and both are carved with the same care as a piece made only to be looked at. In ebony, functional sculpture lasts for generations, because the wood is dense enough to take daily use without losing its detail.
One of a kind, not one of a series
Much sculptural furniture sold as collectible is made in editions of eight or twelve. Each ebony piece here is one of one. It is carved by a named carver, numbered, and issued with a certificate of origin. When it leaves the collection, there is no second one to offer.
That is what makes it collectible furniture: the piece, the named carver and the certificate of origin belong together. The carvers work with a small team, and the collection credits them by name.
Living with ebony
Ebony needs protection, not maintenance. Keep it out of standing water, direct sun and sharp swings in temperature, because the wood still moves. An occasional light coat of wax is optional. Ask us for care guidance specific to the piece.
See more functional art examples, read what functional art is, or explore the collection.