Tree Trunk Table

Description

Carved from a single elm tree trunk, this sculptural coffee table has been ebonised to a deep, matte black, allowing the wood’s natural grain, fissures and organic irregularities to remain visible beneath the surface. Estimated to be over a century old, the piece carries the quiet weight of time, expressed through subtle tonal variation and a richly textured patina developed through age and use.

Its low form gives the table a grounded, almost architectural presence. It sits comfortably within minimalist interiors while also resonating with wabi-sabi, vernacular or more layered spaces. The dense structure of the elm and its  proportions reflect traditional Chinese woodworking principles, where material integrity and function were valued over ornamentation.

At once functional and sculptural, the table is an authentic expression of material, age and place, shaped by time rather than design trends, and offers a sense of permanence and calm within a contemporary setting.

Details

Origin: Shandong, China
Period: Early 20th century (circa 1900s)
Material: Solid old elm wood
Finish: Ebonised, matte black
Width: 84 cm
Depth: 60 cm
Height: 39 cm
Condition: Good vintage condition, with visible age-related wear consistent with the material and history