apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

The Gentleman's Workbench designed by Hiroki Abe was inspired by the design of traditional Japanese kimono chests, kiri- tansu. This updated desk version opens up to reveal a leather-covered surface for writing/working, with the underside of the top lid covered in a metal plate for use with magnets, stainless steel cup receptacles for holding smaller items and a complimenting work bench that is described as "reminiscent of a gate leading to a shrine with clean, sharp lines". Equally beautiful, open or closed, the Gentleman's Workbench is hand crafted, and priced accordingly at ¥1.2 million, taking about 50 days to construct. That's about $12,000, so get saving.