Vitrine in White Oak with 4 Sides of Glass by Deborah Ehrlich

Commissioned by Ophelia Dahl and Lisa Frantzis, and inspired by their own heirloom furniture, this piece was designed to reflect their elegance, beauty and balance.

Opening the glass door to this vitrine gives one a sense of weightlessness. The tiniest pull is needed with the Richard Watson hardware and the extraordinary glass quality gives it a crystal clarity. Made with strong, architectural restoration glass, the panes have their own movement, like hand blown crystal.

All of the materials have been chosen for their hidden strengths, and this allows for such a delicate form. Engineered and created by one of the best contemporary furniture makers in the country, he uses traditional joinery, simple but ingenious old-fashioned solutions, and the fundamental constant of gravity and balance; bridging the line between what is there, and what is not there; what is necessary and what is not necessary. Using these techniques, he is able to achieve optimal elegance while allowing the piece to be so structurally sound that its surprising strength is immediately felt upon touching it.

“People who have met Ophelia and Lisa would use the words graciousness, intelligence, strength, elegance and beauty without hesitation. These are the words that came to mind while designing something for them and their family.” – Deborah Ehrlich.