Rift Sawn Bench

This rustic bench from Jiangsu province was originally used in a provincial, Qing-dynasty home as a versatile surface for cooking or gathering for food and drink. Crafted of northern elm (yumu) with traditional joinery, the bench has a plank-top seat supported by splayed legs linked with simple stretcher bars. The elmwood timber that comprises the seat was rift-sawn to reveal grain patterns running parallel to the surface, now smoothly worn from years of use with deep grooves and a soft patina.