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.
Walnut Bookcase with Shoji
By Brian Holcombe
Located in Princeton, NJ
Handmade bookcase in oiled walnut featuring abstract pattern shoji. This bookcase is made of solid, quarter sawn walnut and constructed utilizing timber joinery methods to allow long...
Walnut
Walnut hall Cabinet with Shoji Doors
By Brian Holcombe
Located in Princeton, NJ
Walnut cabinet made by hand and featuring shoji doors and shelves. This cabinet is constructed utilizing time honored joinery techniques featured in Japanese temple carpentry in addi...
Walnut
Standing Shelves in Quartersawn Ebonized Oak
By Brian Holcombe
Located in Princeton, NJ
These standing shelves are created utilizing traditional interlocking joinery to form a lightweight, strong and durable structure. Offsets are planned...
Oak
Walnut Credenza with Sliding Shoji Doors
By Brian Holcombe
Located in Princeton, NJ
Walnut credenza made by hand and featuring sliding shoji doors and a shelf. This cabinet is constructed utilizing time honored joinery techniques featured in Japanese temple carpentr...
Walnut
Walnut Media Cabinet with Shoji Doors
By Brian Holcombe
Located in Princeton, NJ
Walnut cabinet made by hand and featuring shoji doors and shelves. This cabinet is constructed utilizing time honored joinery techniques featured in Japanes...
Walnut
Walnut Media Console Room Divider with Sliding Shoji Doors
By Brian Holcombe
Located in Princeton, NJ
Walnut cabinet made by hand and featuring sliding shoji doors and shelves. This cabinet is constructed utilizing time honored joinery techniques featured in...
Walnut
Etagere Bookcase Shelving Unit in Walnut and Metal
Located in North York, ON
This exquisite etagere bookcase is sure to make a statement in any room with its traditional styling and modern flare. The 6 stunning walnut shelves are supported by long metal tubed...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Walnut and Brass Bookcase Etagere by Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb
Located in North York, ON
An iconic piece of mid-century modern design, this walnut and brass bookcase étagère by Paul McCobb was crafted in the USA circa 1970’s. The sleek brass frame provides a refined arch...
Brass
1950s Italian Bookcase with Wood, Brass and Metal finsh with Adjustable Shelves
Located in IT
Walnut wood bookcase with metal uprights and shelves Italy 1950s. The bookcase consists of four uprights and three modules organized with adjustable shelves and two storage compartm...
Brass, Iron
Antique Teak and Brass Campaign Bookshelves, Army & Navy Store
Located in Downingtown, PA
Set of Antique Teak and Brass Campaign Bookshelves, Army & Navy Store, Circa 1885. The teak and brass campaign free-standing three-shelf book she...
Brass
Handsome vintage Drexel Heritage brass in Walnut bakers rack
Located in Allentown, PA
This is a mid-century vintage brass and walnut Bakers rack. The bakers rack has beautiful brass scrolled details on each shelf. The front of each shelf has brass trim to give it a gl...
Wood
Oak and Brass Bookcase Shelving with Credenza by Amuneal
By Amuneal
Located in New York, NY
Oak and Brass Bookcase Shelving with Credenza is the single bay version of Amuneal’s collector’s shelving unit featuring solid machined brass fitti...
Brass
