A London client with homes in several countries commissioned a bar/ cocktail cabinet according to a very specific thematic brief: Japonism meets Modernism meets Arts & Crafts. The artwork is informed by a Meiji era Tomesode kimono; the marquetry cranes, inlaid in figured ivory anegre, grey ripple sycamore, red birch and yellow tay in a background of black bolivar and red tanganyika, graze amidst gold leaf leaves, applied after the labor-intensive hand rubbed high gloss lacquer finish exterior, satin lacquer interior finish. The torii (bird abode, in Japanese) is elevated on cast bronze bamboo stretchers; the cabinet sits on an aged brass base; the underside of the black lacquer torii bar top is gilded, a reference to the gorgeous lining of couture pieces and kimono. The bar top, secondary shelf and concealed tray feature black shagreen; celadon lambskin lines the drawers, picking up on a color in our client’s treasured Ming vase. Curved chamfered adjustable height shelves on; the shelf supports are traditionally made zigzag (sawtooth) supports. Polished brass base; dimmable LED lighting. Unique piece.

Zelouf & Bell work closely with clients and specifiers to a brief, and can customize limited edition portfolio pieces, in terms of materials, finishes, dimensions, form and function. While no unique piece is the same, Zelouf & Bell work with clients to realize equally dreamy pieces, each with its own unique character and design.