Colin Whitehead, • “Yūgen” (幽玄 – Profound Grace) – a Japanese aesthetic concept for subtle beauty and depth, reflecting the balance of light/dark, tradition/modern. (FURNITURE 2025)

Photos:

Colin whitehead

Country

Australia

Maker’s Statement – Wood Review Maker of the Year Submission This centerpiece was designed and crafted for a high-end showroom with the brief to create the atmosphere of a Japanese-style penthouse. The piece draws on traditional Japanese timber techniques while reinterpreting them in a contemporary form. The base is constructed from solid oak, finished using the Shou Sugi Ban (Yakisugi) method, where the surface of the timber is charred to achieve a deep, textural black that enhances durability and provides a striking contrast. The top is crafted from solid white ash, meticulously hand-finished with the Naguri technique, where a rhythmic, scalloped texture is carved across the surface to catch the light and reveal the natural beauty of the timber. Together, these contrasting techniques—one dark and burnt, the other light and hand-textured—embody the balance of tradition and modernity, calmness and strength. The piece functions as a central display unit while also standing as a sculptural work in its own right, elevating the interior and housing product discreetly within. Every element was hand-crafted, with careful attention to proportion, texture, and detail, to achieve a modern interpretation of traditional Japanese finishing methods. Designed and made by myself, this work represents my commitment to merging traditional craftsmanship with contemporary furniture design.

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