Silas Kopf: Majoring in Marquetry
A master of marquetry, Kopf is self-taught, learning mostly from a book and through trial and error
Originally published September 26, 2012, updated October 19, 2018
Silas Kopf got out of college in the early 1970s and thought he would retreat to the woods of northern Maine and make simple, solid-wood furniture, perhaps with a Shaker flavor. He never made it to the woods, and certainly veered from the Shaker aesthetic. Over the past four decades he has specialized in building furniture decorated with marquetry.
He is self-taught in marquetry, learning mostly from a book and through trial and error. But ten years into his career he was deeply influenced by Italian Renaissance intarsia, a combination of inlay and marquetry practiced in the 15th century. Kopf traveled to Italy to see the work in person, which features convincing optical illusions. Kopf is now well known for his own trompe l’oeil, or fool-the-eye compositions.
Kopf later traveled to France to study marquetry for several months at the Ecole Boule, a school that teaches traditional furniture making skills. While there, Kopf was introduced to the work of Abraham and David Roentgen, German father and son cabinetmakers who built furniture for monarchs and the aristocracy in the 18th century. The Roentgens embellished their furniture with superb marquetry, but they were also known for the structural complexity of their case pieces, which incorporated hidden compartments and mechanisms that enabled the pieces to be reconfigured. Kopf’s cabinet on the back cover of the current issue, with its many secret drawers, is a tribute to the Roentgens.
Kopf has written a book about his work and his influences, and has also produced a dvd describing his techniques for doing marquetry. Both are available through his website, www.silaskopf.com
More on FineWoodworking.com:
- Boulle Marquetry Demonstration with Silas Kopf #203–Jan/Feb 2009 Issue
- The Secrets Within – Learn some of the secrets within Silas Kopf’s cabinet, where all is not as it seems.by Jonathan Binzen #229–Nov/Dec 2012 Issue
- Repetitive-Motif Marquetry – French technique permits multiple identical images By Silas Kopf #101–July/Aug 1993 Issue
Comments
Great story, but why do the images of his newest piece zoom by so fast while all the other images proceed more slowly. Had to watch the video a couple times and keep pausing it over and over on those newest images to see what they were.
Very nice video and article, Silas Kopf is one of my favorite furniture makers. He has been a big inspiration to me and my marquetry. I want to thank you Jon for all your articles, you always publish a wide variety of craftsmen and different styles.
At an extraordinary and elegant way, the real modern marquetry motifs based on traditional techniques achievements!
Your work is another beautiful page in the history of marquetry techniques.
If you enjoyed this, you might also like to see the work of Matthew Werner:
http://blip.tv/wood-works/wood-works-1-with-matthew-werner-3895240
I think Silas Kopf is one of the greatest furniture makers/artists alive today. I am not sure if most woodworkers realize the incredible skill that this man has. Just take the shadow line for example on his latest piece, that is not stain; it is different pieces of wood to simulate the shadow. Also note the door that is "open", it is lighter in color because the light is catching it. His work is truly amazing. I wish Fine woodworking would do a more in depth story on this master.
You may also find this video of interest.
http://woodtube.ning.com/video/marquetry-with-silas-kopf
Your cleverly assembled and illustrated storytelling nicely compliments Silas Kopf's fine marquetry furniture. Well done! - AKD
Stunning work, yet not overbearing. He is not so much a craftsman as an artist. I'd love to spend a day or two just watching him in the shop!
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