Wood Jiali Bench

Splayed legs, a thick top, and the posture of a bench that expects company.

The Jiali bench is a contemporary piece from the Primitive Collection, in sand blasted elm wood. Long, low benches on splayed legs were a staple of Chinese households, set in courtyards and kitchens and made to be sat on for generations. The single plank top shows bold, swirling grain, its sand blasting leaving the ridges raised and the softer wood carved away. Four square legs angle outward, each joined beneath the top with a simple bracket. The finish is a mellow brown with greyed highlights. It is 66 inches long, 14 deep and 17.5 high.

Room for three, or one person with a lot of newspapers.