By Kesem Yahav and Yoncho Cao
Wood ceramic furniture is a collaborative project between the cabinetmaker Jonathan Cao and the ceramic designer Kesem Yahav, both based in Amsterdam. Their first collection of furniture and home accessories was launched in 2010 and combined wood and ceramic. All furniture is made of massive wooden structure with glazed ceramic, while the two, seemingly contradictory materials, create a perfect balance: the wooden structure is fitted with ceramic details and the ceramic objects are fitted with wooden ones. The pieces are handcrafted in high standard of quality and in limited edition.
The collection is inspired by the elegant modern furniture of the 1950's and 1960's. It focuses on simple clean lines, and plays with the basic square and round shapes. A splash of strong colored glaze gives a twist and personality to each object.
As a couple one cabinetmaker and the other a ceramic designer, it was natural to combine these different media. The interaction between the two materials creates a unique design, which highlights the contrast of the materials, texture, color and shape, while creating a surprising new harmonious fusion. This symbiotic relationship maintains a clean, refined aesthetic into a unified and unique design.
