Gardens
of Salento
by Rocco Santese
Wood art for gardens and outdoor spaces. Carving, sculptures and artistic installations handcrafted in Puglia.
Artistic
cabinetmaking
in the tradition
of Puglia.
Santese Art is Rocco Santese's artistic cabinetmaking workshop in Oria. For over 40 years we have crafted carvings, inlays, restorations and bespoke furniture using time-honoured artisan techniques.
We are currently exhibiting a selection of works dedicated to the Gardens of Salento: carvings and artistic installations designed for gardens, terraces and outdoor spaces.
Each piece is unique, handcrafted from fine Italian woods.
Our services
Artistic Carving
Handcrafted wood sculptures and decorations made with mastery and artisan precision.
Inlay & Marquetry
Artistic compositions in fine woods, created using ancient inlay techniques.
Antique Restoration
Recovery and preservation of furniture and art objects using techniques respectful of history.
Bespoke Furniture
Design and creation of custom furniture in solid wood with fine finishes.
Artistic Doors & Frames
Entrance doors, gates and wooden frames with carved details and exclusive finishes.
Custom Design
Personalised consultation and design of artisan solutions for indoor and outdoor spaces.
Gardens of Salento
Ten unique works in Mediterranean wood. Each piece tells a story of light, matter and memory of Salento.
Burl Treasure Chest
27 cm Ø × 20 cm h
Lidded vessel in olive burl with national walnut lid featuring refined circular inlays of olive, paduk, mulberry and walnut. Turned knob in olive root. A dialogue between burl and walnut inspired by the gardens of Salento.
Circles of Light
28 cm Ø × 10 cm h
Lamp in reclaimed national walnut with base decorated by refined circular inlays of paduk and mulberry. The ancient wood grains blend with the circles through which light filters. A play of light through the grains of the reclaimed wood.
Olive Burl Centerpiece
24 cm Ø × 12 cm h
Centerpiece in olive burl with segmented rim in paduk, national walnut, lemon and wengé. The central burl grains dance with the colors of the rim. A circle of essences celebrating Salento.
Quartet of Burls
8 cm Ø × 24 cm h (max)
Quartet of jewelry holders in olive burl, ebonized walnut and lemon wood. Each piece tells a different story of form and grain. An ode to the variety and poetry of Salento wood.
Quintet of Essences
36 cm Ø × 9 cm h
Turned bowl with inlays of olive, national walnut, lemon and apricot; ash base. Fluid grains celebrate the harmony of Mediterranean essences.
Saturn of Burls
16 cm Ø × 20 cm h
Saturn-shaped jewelry holder in olive and pear wood, with ring in olive burl. The central sphere rotates gently within the arms of the burl. A small wooden universe suspended between light and memory.
Solar Sunburst Bowl
38 cm Ø × 9 cm h
Bowl featuring a spectacular sunburst inlay of olive, ash, lemon, pear, national walnut and cherry. The carved central motif highlights the flowing wood grains. An ode to the light and matter of the Salento gardens.
Trio of Burls
25 cm Ø × 16 cm h (max)
Trio of lamps in olive burl with ebonized national walnut cones. One features inlays of mulberry and pear. The burl floats suspended in an embrace of light and shadow.
Trio of Flower Holders
11 cm Ø × 30 cm h (max)
Trio of flower holders in national walnut with circular inlays of mulberry. The two larger ones hold dried Mediterranean flowers, the small one a candle. An ode to simplicity and light of Salento.
Wormhole Lamp
25 cm Ø × 16.5 cm h
Wormhole lamp in ash with mansonia walnut inlays and ebonized national walnut base. The central burl emits blue light that also glows from under the base. A portal of light and wood between worlds.
ALL WORKS ARE HANDCRAFTED FROM FINE SALENTO WOODS • UNIQUE PIECES