This shelf is reminiscent of my favorite type of joinery.  A Japanese inspired through joint that is wedges in place with little wedges.  The shelves have long tenons cut on the end of them and pass through the sides in one piece.  They are then held in place with with a small wedge in a matching mortise.    

The shelf was made to complement the Japanese Contemplation Bench for my client’s spa room.  While designing it the client showed me a rake he uses to rake the rocks in his Japanese Zen garden that was held together with a wedge.  He asked if I could incorporate that concept into his shelf.

Project Location, Colorado Springs, Co