LumberJocks Woodworking Forum banner

Project Information

MINGUREN INSPIRATIONS

1790L x 400W x 360H

Banksia and Salmon Gum

Another piece currently on display at the "Out of the wood" exhibition. Since natural organic lines are always popular, I had to do something in that line…. Besides, everybody loves those butterfly keys! This coffee table was inspired by the work of the Japanese American woodworker, George Nakashima, specifically his well known Minguren table. No better way to show off the natural beauty of the wood! The timber I used is known as Banksia (Banksia marginata) which is indigenous to Australia where it is apparently quite rare. I was fortunate indeed to obtain just a few boards from an Australian friend who immigrated to SA. He had some dying Banksia trees on his property which he felled, milled and brought with him. It is very likely that this is the only example of the timber in my country (apart from the bookcase I made for the Australian in exchange for the timber!) The keys are Salmon Gum, also indigenous to Australia, also from my friend.

For once I remembered to take a photo midway through construction. Picture #5 shows all the components ready for final assembly.

As always, comments, critique and suggestions are welcome.

PS. I am very happy to say that the response to the furniture component of this exhibition has been so good that the gallery decided to extend the exhibition by another month. Furthermore, they have decided to make it an annual event! Myself and the 4 other furniture makers/designers are very excited about this!!

Gallery

Comments

· Registered
Joined
·
19,753 Posts
Unique piece with wonderful timber so very well done. I assume the dimensions are millimeters ?
 

· Registered
Joined
·
9,309 Posts
great good fortune

better get busy
twice as long exhibit
requires twice as much work

here's to you doing your own work
and just delivering
when you finish it
 

· Registered
Joined
·
7,027 Posts
another great looking piece :)

and congrat´s to all of you with the exstra month
and now you know there will be an annual exhibition you have
the best condition for beat yourself … :) making a few piece´s of art every month

take care
Dennis
 

· Registered
Joined
·
4,054 Posts
It's beautiful , but before reading your post , I thought it was a shelf of sorts as it appears to be floating with nothing for reference…sorry.
It is an awesome design and the color and grain are totally gorgeous : )
From now on , I'm going to read the post and then look at the pics LOL
 

· Registered
Joined
·
295 Posts
Div@ this looks like when you want to make a precis dowetail…....Its right on track !!!

I love the butterflykeys and in sush a piece of wood its perfekt!

Excellent design!

Ps this one i need to store in my favorites
 

· Registered
Joined
·
681 Posts
Fantastic looking wood and a great looking project. I'm impressed!
 

· Registered
Joined
·
739 Posts
A1JIM, thank you sir. Yes, dimensions are in millimetres. Divide by 25.4 to get inches.

Patron, unfortunately they won't be taking in new work during this period :^( Pieces that sell, stay on exhibit untill the end. I like what you say in the 2nd paragraph!

Dennis, thanks. Yes, if only they can sell as fast as we make them…!

Dusty, sorry man. It's a case of poverty, can't afford a proper photographer, so I tweak the background with Photoshop to make my pics half presentable…Thanks for the kind words.
 

· Registered
Joined
·
739 Posts
Napoleon, thanks dude. You should try those butterfly keys. Easy to do and everyone loves them!

Hal, you can easily cut boards like this with your new sawmill! A nice slab of 2" thick walnut, maybe with some crotch figure in it….!!!
 

· Registered
Joined
·
1,077 Posts
Seems like everything you make comes out magnificent! I'm impressed. Hope things go your way and you have more than you can handle!

Erwin, Jacksonville, FL
 

· Registered
Joined
·
5,279 Posts
It's all been said Div, Just add my kudos to the list. I like the "warmth" it exudes.
 

· Registered
Joined
·
682 Posts
Div,

As someone who knows a little about George Nakashima, I feel comfortable to say that George would most certainly approve and appreciate the acknowledgement. This is a beautiful blend of wood in it's natural and hand formed elements. Very organic, very warm and inviting, The contrast of natural contours and precisely milled surfaces. Butterfly keys! Wonderful curves and grain pattern. And then think about the journey from Australia to SA.

I hope this one sold handsomely.

Best wishes for a Happy Easter to you and your family.
 

· Registered
Joined
·
46 Posts
The wood is spectacular, the design is wonderful. What I like best is the overall warmth of the piece. I am guessing there is no room on earth that would not be made more comfortable by the addition of this table. Thank you for posting.
 

· Registered
Joined
·
6,114 Posts
Hi,
What a wonderful table!
I love the wood, the finish and the fact you stopped early, this table has the simplicity that we love from the Japanese.
The dovetails are like butterflys over a river, perhaps even dragonflys.
Sooooo nice!
Best of my thoughts my dear brother,
Mads
 

· Registered
Joined
·
6,114 Posts
I will be a happy man if I just once in my life had the chance to work with wood that beautiful, and then in it's purest form.
I also hope it will bring you a fair price.
Big smile.
 

· Registered
Joined
·
1,241 Posts
Lovely lovely! More stuff to sell at the exhibit!!! Yippeee!!!! And I agree that a smaller version of this would make a great coat rack/shelf. Maybe an idea for using up some cool smaller pieces of wood some other time.
 

· Registered
Joined
·
739 Posts
Bearpie, thanks. I make lots that is not magnificent…those are the ones I hide!

Shipwright, compliments from you means a lot! Thank you Paul.

Schwieb, If it wasn't for you, this table wouldn't exist! Thanks for your words. It hasn't sold yet, but I purposefully priced it high. Don't really want to sell it!

Amateur, thanks for all your beautiful words.

Mafe,my brother in the North, as always you use your words so well! Thank you my friend. Be carefull what you wish for…."as you believe, so shall you see!"

Rivergirl, why did I know you would like this one…thank you ma'am.
 

· Registered
Joined
·
6,114 Posts
I will love to come one day and work with you on some of all that beautiful wood, and I feel sure it will happen.
Best thoughts,
Mads
 

· Registered
Joined
·
1,241 Posts
Yep Div- this one is sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeetttttttttt. :)
 

· In Loving Memory
Joined
·
8,391 Posts
I love it! Great looking piece Div. Even Nakashima would be proud of it.
 

· Registered
Joined
·
739 Posts
Hey Stefang Mike, thanks brother!
 
Top