Ovangkol & Purple Heart Sliding Lid Box
 
About this piece
 
Some timbers are selected because they demand attention. Others are chosen because they possess a quieter beauty that gradually reveals itself over time. Ovangkol belongs firmly in the second category. Although less familiar than Walnut or Oak, it is one of my favourite hardwoods to work with, combining warm golden-brown tones with dramatic dark streaks and shimmering gold flecks that make every board entirely unique.
 
For this piece I wanted the natural beauty of the Ovangkol to remain uninterrupted. For that reason I chose mitre corner joints rather than dovetails. which allowed me to run a single length of timber around the box, so one sees the continuity of the grain from whichever side one looks.

Rather than fitting a hinged lid, I chose a traditional sliding lid, made of Purple Heart, chosen to contrast with the lines of the Ovangkol walls.  Purpleheart is an exceptionally dense hardwood which naturally develops its rich violet colour when exposed to light. Against the warm tones of the Ovangkol, it provides a restrained but unmistakable contrast. 

The sliding lid allows the grain to flow cleanly across the top of the box without the visual interruption of hinges or fittings. Opening the box becomes a slower, more deliberate action, encouraging the owner to appreciate both the timber and the craftsmanship. The sliding lid offers a quieter and more contemplative experience than a hinged box. It encourages the owner to pause, engage with the object, and appreciate the materials and craftsmanship before revealing what lies within. It is one of the reasons Japanese craftsmen have favoured sliding-lid boxes for centuries—they invite a more deliberate, tactile experience.  

Like every Grey Oak Workshop box, the emphasis is on allowing the timber itself to become the centre of attention rather than relying on elaborate decoration.
 
The mitred corners are reinforced with hand-fitted Purpleheart splines. Although their primary purpose is structural, locking the mitred joints together, they also introduce a subtle accent of colour that hints at what lies inside the box.

The interior continues this theme. The base is made from a piece of Purple Heart, taken from the same board that was used for the lid. It is effectively a book-matched selection. The choice of wood provides both durability and visual balance. Its deep colour anchors the piece and echoes the corner splines. Attention to detail is shown through the decision to use the same grain direction in both the lid and the base.

The lid slides smoothly within the Ovangkol runners, creating a satisfying precision fit, introducing an unexpected flash of colour whenever the box is opened. I enjoy incorporating details that are discovered rather than immediately seen, rewarding the owner each time the box is used.
 
Although unseen in everyday use, I believe the underside of a piece deserves the same attention as every visible surface. Every component should contribute to the integrity of the whole, and should be of the highest quality.
 
Like all Grey Oak Workshop pieces, this box is built entirely from solid hardwood. There are no veneers, stains, plywood panels or manufactured components hidden beneath the surface. Every material has been selected not simply for its appearance, but for its ability to endure. My intention is always to create objects that will be treasured and passed from one generation to the next.
 
Dimensions: 222 × 135 × 100 mm
Product Code: GW-KB-0051