The rich, smokey brown color of this wood belies the ease in which it was achieved. White Oak, rich in tannic acid, chemically reacts with ammonia and changes color. Depending on the amount of time it's held in a fuming chamber, the wood can transform from a light beige to a rich chestnutty color in just a few hours.

The fuming process has been used for centuries, and is quite well described in George Frank's book- Adventures in Wood Finishing. It's an interesting account of his escapades as a master wood finisher in Europe, during the 1920s. Anyone interested in experimenting with custom finishes would benefit from reading his recipes in this book.

This table has an inlaid tile, surrounded with carving, and features a hidden tray that locks inside, to hold valuables. The tray is removable, and is about the size of a #10 envelope, nearly 2" deep.