Norwegian Solid Wood Dining Table, Norway early 20th century (sold)

Norwegian Solid Wood Dining Table, Norway early 20th century (sold)

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This characteristic Norwegian oak dining table is a nod to organic design with traditional Scandinavian craftsmanship. Through the design the maker also relays an insight about the society and culture in which it was produced: closeness to nature, the appreciation of a clutter-free environment and the value of quality handiwork.

Furniture pieces like this massive dining table from the early 20th century reflects the wabi sabi world-view visually with an emphasis on imperfections and of course, functionality. Its aesthetic could be described as appreciating the beauty that is imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete in nature. The solid wood body is perfect to convey this, as it has natural imperfections and isn’t overworked or sculpted to be perfectly smooth and symmetrical. Instead, the design follows the principles of this aesthetic and therefore includes asymmetry, roughness, simplicity, and traditional woodworking, with an appreciation of both natural objects and the forces of nature. The long tabletop and legs are carved out of large sections of solid pieces of wood with visible joinery techniques that only add to this table’s charm. The legs are connected by a pair of stretchers on each side strengthening structural stability, while their joining technique offers further visual interest. Interestingly, the legs widen towards the bottom, consequently making the lower stretchers shorter.

The appreciation of rustic simplicity and craftsmanship has never completely gone out of style, but in recent years, it saw an increase. Adding pieces, like this beautiful table to a modern interior not only creates a diverse and interesting aesthetic, it also reminds that perfection cannot be reached and perhaps should not even be the goal. Instead, recognizing the beauty of the imperfect created by nature and reformed by a craftsman can bring happiness into everyday life.