Woodwork – Historical Handcrafts

“Moderation” Serving Bowl

FOR SALE: $100 (plus shipping) This wooden serving bowl is carved with the inscription “Halt mas in allen dingen“, or “Moderation in all things”. This was the motto of Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I… and it also struck me as a humorous reminder to put on a bowl of food. The bowl was hollowed fromContinue reading ““Moderation” Serving Bowl”

“The Great Hunt” Casket

This red oak box was reclaimed from a hardwood floor. The hunting themed carvings are heavily inspired by a 15th century German bone-carved piece that I’ve long admired at the Walters Art Museum (you can compare it to the original here: https://art.thewalters.org/detail/9461/box-for-board-games/ ). Mine is not an exact recreation, though my carvings are meant toContinue reading ““The Great Hunt” Casket”

Phoenix Engraved Box

This was the first time I ever tried to carve a picture into wood. The wood is some kind of unknown scrap softwood, and I felt it needed to be stained in order to look right (even though staining isn’t really historical for something medieval). The phoenix is inspired by a 12th century illustration.

Toddler’s Medieval Stool

This is the first woodworking project I ever did. Based loosely off of a 15th century stool that resides in the Cloisters in NYC. I made it for my 3 year old son. The Latin says, “I will love you always”, and the engraving is inspired by a 15th century German woodprint showing corn farmingContinue reading “Toddler’s Medieval Stool”