This sleek Japanese-inspired bookshelf was a commission for a local couple. The shelves are clear grain cherry and the verticals are maple, all milled and age-dried locally. No hardware was used. This piece displays its joinery, which imparts a functional beauty that’s hard to find on the furniture market today. It also means there’s no place to hide mistakes. The through tenons are cut with chisel and mallet, and drawn together with black walnut wedges. It was deeply satisfying to build and fit perfectly in the client’s home.
When my husband and I visited John Enger’s studio we were struck by John’s unique style, design, and treatment of wood. John came out to our house to get an idea of how the bookcase would fit into our home. After deciding on the basic form, we agreed to give John carte blanche to design the bookcase.
John did not just make a bookcase. He created a harmonic symphony of cherry, maple, and walnut woods which come together in a magnificent whole. It is a work art!
engergrove –
When my husband and I visited John Enger’s studio we were struck by John’s unique style, design, and treatment of wood. John came out to our house to get an idea of how the bookcase would fit into our home. After deciding on the basic form, we agreed to give John carte blanche to design the bookcase.
John did not just make a bookcase. He created a harmonic symphony of cherry, maple, and walnut woods which come together in a magnificent whole. It is a work art!
~Tom & Fred
Bemidji, MN