An Invitation from Gallivan’s Art Furniture

CustomMade’s galleries are full of photographs and detailed descriptions of beautiful works by our artisans.  Every item comes with “the story behind the piece,” a brief discussion by the artisan of the inspiration, materials, and methods involved in the work.  Recently, this Hand-Carved Rosewood Inlaid Chair by Mark Gallivan of Gallivan’s Art Furniture caught our attention.  This is truly a one-of-a-kind creation.

Hand Carved Rosewood Inlaid Chair by Gallivan's Art Furniture at CustomMade.com

Nearly four years in the making, this exquisite throne was made from 25 different exotic hardwoods in their natural color, including pink ivory, ebony, rosewood, mahogany, walnut, purple heart, and birdseye maple.  Included in the throne are a myriad details in inlay, marquetry, and sculptural carving, including the carved roses and female figure shown in the close-ups below.

Back View and Carving Details from the Hand Carved Rosewood Inlaid Chair by Gallivan's Art Furniture at CustomMade.com

If the chair doesn’t take your breath away, the prospect of what it would cost might.  As Mr. Gallivan explains on his website: “While we understand an extravagant piece like the Throne may only be considered for purchase by the wealthy, we invite everyone to tour our gallery and hope you enjoy your time with us.”  However, after you catch your breath, consider carefully what a custom-made, one-of-a-kind creation makes possible.

Inlay on Chair Arms, the Hand Carved Rosewood Inlaid Chair by Gallivan's Art Furniture at CustomMade.com

A piece such as this chair invites. The artistry of its creation invites appreciation.  The exotic woods invite curiosity.  Your own custom-made object might be less expensive, but it, too, will invite.  Its inspiration, the raw materials, and its construction will give it a “story behind the piece” for the owners and their family, friends, visitors, and heirs.  A skillfully created custom-made object makes this type of participatory experience possible, regardless of its price.  You will not simply use your custom-made piece.  You and those close to you will enjoy their time with it.  That is a kind of wealth all too rare.

You can search CustomMade’s galleries for pieces made from specific kinds of wood, such as pink ivory or ebony, or that feature details such as marquetry or inlay.