When we envisage turned wood objects, they tend to be symmetrical in form and often used as bowls, cups, or canisters for storing tea leaves. Turned wood objects are beautiful and utilitarian, but they could also be philosophical and poetic at the same time. Using carved voids, the idea was to disrupt the symmetrical beauty of these turned wood forms, giving birth to new and unexpected compositions. The outcome is a study of positive and negative space, and dialogue between three haptic volumes which serve as small sculptures. Each Void Sculpture has a gently concave surface to serve as a pedestal for displaying our most precious small items.

Designed by Gabriel Tan, handcrafted by Carlos Barbosa.


The Designer

Gabriel Tan Studio is a design practice working across the borders of craft, culture and technology. Exploring new ways to interpret luxury and break archetypes, the studio works on product and furniture design for international clients including Blå Station, Design Within Reach, The Conran Shop, Ishinomaki Lab, TAKATA Lemnos and Authentics. Gabriel Tan also creative directs the brands Ariake and Turn. Aside from his design work, he has guest lectured at Lasalle College of the Arts, Pratt Institute, National University of Singapore, the University of Oregon and also served as a jury member at the Cannes Lions Festival.


The Craftsman

Carlos Barbosa and his two sons run a wood working factory in Paços de Ferreira. They produce high quality objects and furniture for both local architects and international clients. The unique thing about them is they stock a very large variety of Portuguese and imported hardwoods, and combine the best of hand and machine processes to make high quality products, in small to medium sized production runs.

Care Instructions:
Use a dry soft cloth.
Do not use household cleaners.