Brian Holcombe is a woodworker specializing in handmade, one-of-a-kind furniture influenced by Japanese sashimono techniques and furniture of the Chinese Ming Dynasty. All of Holcombe’s woodwork is joined together without the use of fasteners, nails or screws, and units like his credenzas and cabinets often feature shoji — traditional Japanese sliding doors or screens. His work is mid-century modern in style but thoughtfully traditional in construction as it draws on the materials and techniques once favored by the Samurai and wealthy merchants of Asia.
His studio, where he builds elegant bookcases, daybeds, benches and other pieces, is in Princeton, New Jersey. By creating his furniture by hand, Holcombe intimately understands the nature of each material he uses. While much of his work is made of wood, the use of various types, including ash, walnut and mahogany, gives a sophisticated variation to the furniture, with brass accents furthering the depth of its design. Holcombe uses mulberry paper for his sliding door pieces and offers a live edge on some products, like his dining room tables.
In addition to producing beautiful furniture, Holcombe teaches woodworking classes both in person and online, including workshops on hand tools, interlocking techniques and shoji doors. Publications such as Fine Woodworking and Handwork Magazine have featured his expert work.
On 1stDibs, find a collection of Brian Holcombe seating, tables, storage case pieces and more.
'Henry the Armchair' in Walnut with Leather Upholstery by Brian Holcombe
By Brian Holcombe
Located in Princeton, NJ
Henry the armchair is an original design by Brian Holcombe. Ergonomically designed around the human proportion this chair accommodates comfortable seating. These chairs are indivi...
Walnut
'Henry the Armchair' in Walnut with Leather Upholstery by Brian Holcombe
By Brian Holcombe
Located in Princeton, NJ
Henry the armchair is an original design by Brian Holcombe. Ergonomically designed around the human proportion this chair accommodates comfortable seating. These chairs are indivi...
Walnut
Henry the Armchair in Walnut
By Brian Holcombe
Located in Princeton, NJ
Henry the armchair is an original design by Brian Holcombe. Ergonomically designed around the human proportion this chair accommodates comfortable seating. These chairs are individu...
Walnut
Club Chair by Brian Holcombe in Mahogany with Upholstery
By Brian Holcombe
Located in Princeton, NJ
Upholstered club chair in mahogany wood with carving details on the sides. The carvings are of a motif found in 18th century Ming furniture. The carvings are done by hand. This ch...
Mahogany
Henry the Armchair in White Ash
By Brian Holcombe
Located in Princeton, NJ
Henry the armchair is an original design by Brian Holcombe. Ergonomically designed around the human proportion this chair accommodates comfortable seating. These chairs are individu...
Ash, Walnut
Spindle Back Dining Chair in White Ash by Brian Holcombe
By Brian Holcombe
Located in Princeton, NJ
In designing this chair I wanted to best utilize the best and most practical aspects of the classical Windsor chair and apply them in contemporary proportion. The genius of the class...
Ash
Insigne Armchair by Simonini, Walnut Wood Base, Upholstered Seat
By SIMONINI
Located in Vila Cordeiro, São Paulo
The "Insigne" armchair collection eloquently embodies the esteemed DNA, design philosophy and the cutting-edge craftsmanship of SIMONINI ®. Each flowing and uninterrupted line is met...
Leather, Walnut, Hardwood, Cane, Faux Leather, Upholstery, Textile
Walnut Wood Essex Armchair with Brown Velvet Upholstery, Modern Design
Located in New York, NY
The Essex Armchair is defined by its balance of warmth, precision, and understated luxury. Crafted from solid walnut and upholstered in refined velvet, it is designed to deliver bot...
Suede, Wood, Walnut
Set of Eight Chairs Made in Walnut, Inspired from Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann Desi
Located in Albany, NY
Armchair made of walnut with a high polish. The armchair is part of a set: Including two armchairs and six side chairs.
Walnut
Walnut and Fabric Portuguese Roots Chair by Alexandre Caldas
By Alexandre Caldas
Located in Geneve, CH
Walnut and fabric Portuguese roots chair by Alexandre Caldas Dimensions: W 40 x D 39 x H 73 cm Materials: Walnut, fabric Seat Available in ...
Fabric, Walnut
Walnut and Fabric Essex Armchair, Scandinavian Modern Design, Portugal
Located in New York, NY
The Essex collection offers a modern yet timeless take on comfort, inspired by the sleek architecture of New York City. Upholstered in premium fabric, this armchair combines minimali...
Fabric, Wood, Walnut
Walnut Wood Essex Armchair, Premium Fabric, Scandinavian Style
Located in New York, NY
The Essex collection offers a modern yet timeless take on comfort, inspired by the sleek architecture of New York City. Upholstered in premium fabric, this armchair combines minimali...
Fabric, Wood, Walnut
