Jan Reksten, Small Cabinet of Treasures (CHESTS, CABINETS & BOXES 2023)

Photos:

Robyn Cromer

I had one beautiful board of figured Tasmanian myrtle and wished to tailor the piece to the material available, leaving minimal waste. The result is my 'small cabinet of treasures' which measures 53 cms wide by 20 high and 23 deep. It is intended for holding jewellery, small items of cutlery, coins, medals or other treasures. The drawers have traditional hand-cut dovetail joinery and are also of Tasmanian myrtle. The drawer bases are of Camphor Laurel and the runners are of Tallowwood. The drawer bases are lined with royal blue microsuede stretched over a thin layer of closed-cell foam on a thin sheet of stiff plastic and are friction-fitted. The interior of the cabinet is finished with shellac and the exterior with Osmo Polyx Oil clear satin varnish. From a design perspective the cabinet satisfies my preference for the 'less is more' approach, allowing the spectacular appearance of the timber to shine forth and speak for itself. I have tried to introduce an element of interest in the angles incorporated into the feet and cornice and have echoed the same angle into the design of the drawer handles.

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