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Project Information

Dear fellow Lumberjocks,

A dream comes true at last !!!

After almost five years of intense inspiration and much transpiration, when my heart guided my brain and my hands, the "Rococo two-section cabinet" was born by simply putting the upper cabinet (completed on Oct. 12, 2008) on top of the chest of drawers (just completed on Nov. 06, 2009). I wished I could build a piece of furniture resembling to an architectural project where the action of the gravitation force on heavy construction materials results in a sloping overall profile, as if it were discharging forces down to the ground. Thus, I acted rather as a stone sculptor than as a woodcarver.

Be sure that all of you were my encouraging companions during the second phase of this fantastic trek (year of 2009) to whom I have no words to express my sincere gratitude.
I intend to post photos of its "making of" just to show some odd but efficient solutions adopted by me, especially because I started this project by its natural end - the frontspiece - from where I went down to the feet (inverse logical order).

Some technical information:

It is 100% made of old growth rio-rosewood salvaged from a rural demolished larder and bought by me 12 years ago. The actual trees had been felled 100 years ago. The available pieces were quite irregular in shape and size (some like scraps) and full of cracks and hollows (as it is inherent to that species).
The wood seems to be "vitrified" so hard it is.
The finishing was done with a personally prepared wax (carnauba, bee's wax, turpentine, etc.).
The whole project was completely conceived, drawn and hand carved by me, according to my personal interpretation of the Portuguese style "Dom Jose I" (Baroque + Rococo styles).
Only hand tools were used, except for the large board sawing.
The current time of completion (almost 5 years) includes many gaps of time (months) due to the normal "lack of inspiration".
Dimensions: 70" high x 30" wide x 19" deep

I cheerfully envite you to drink a glass of wine with me… (do you remember the Bacchus sculpture?)

Regards,

Gallery

Comments

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And I thought yesterday the base was impressive! I went home and had to show it to my wife last night.
I guess I'll be showing her this tonight.

It is absolutely stunning, and to think how you did all this just blows my mind. Your talent is incredible.
I know it takes a long time to do this kind of work, but I can't wait to see what's next.

Thanks,
Kent
 

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Dilo - As always, a truly beautiful piece. It is a most appropriate use of the fine, old wood. Congratulations on completing this masterpiece.
 

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Phenomenal! Congratulations on your accomplishment/reward.
 

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amazing
 

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i don't know wether to weep or cheer - amazing
 

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you have created a masterpiece…and its beauty is beyond words…....the whole process is amazing..for you being a lumber jock, you do woodworkers here so proud ..congradulations….i toast to your sucess…...
 

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Dilo you are truly a master.
 

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Even more incredible seeing them together.

Instant wallpaper !!!
 

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i have no words ,
i bow to you ,
my friend and teacher .

an amazing inspiration !

you deserve all the praise ,
and thanks ,
we can give !
 

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My friend Larry speaks of his inspirational chair and you my friend sit on the Inspirational Throne. This is a master piece of craftsmanship. I would value this piece in excess of 15,000 USA dollars, an amazing work of art…thanks so much for posting…Blkcherry
 

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Wonderful wonderful as usual you amaze me with your incredible talent .Bravo Bravo
 

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Just spectacular. There are no words sufficient to describe this work.
 

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The words "beautiful", "stunning" and "inspirational" all seem inadequate, but they are the best I can come up with - even though I am not the first to use them. Thank you for sharing. Can you share with us where this masterpiece will go into service? As to the wine - time to open a bottle of the "good stuff"!
 

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Incredible and inspiring! We have so much to learn and the sharing part is quite appreciated.

You mention a period of 5 years to work on this, but it actually took over 112 plus years if you include the time the tree was felled and then your purchasing and craftsmanship. Not to mention how long it took for the tree to grow! Very impressive. Truly a piece to be cherished.

I presume you have signed and dated the piece. You may want to type up some sort of history and insert it under one of the drawers. Maybe to include the dates of all of what you described above.
 

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Very detail and fancy. It really is amazing when you think about it. From salvaged wood to that. Just really amazing and one of the best projects I have seen. Way to go!
 

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perfect skills .. perfect elegance ..

simply, caressing glance and the eyes ..
 

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wow, I'd say more but my chins (lol) keep falling to my chest!
 

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Dilo,

A wonderful & magnificent piece. I am toasting your amazing skills right now with a glass of South American wine (also very good).
I look forward to your future posts explaining more about your project.

Muito bem feito,

Terry
(a Lumberjocks newbie)
 

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Congratulations on your completion of a true work of art. Generations will marvel at your crafsmanship.
 
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