MARY JUSTICE THOMASSON Founder and Creative Director Mary Justice Thomasson traversed the world living a vivacious cross-continental life as a broadcast journalist, travel writer and PR maven. After living in Hong Kong for two decades, she settled on the island of Bali, Indonesia, her home for the past 15 years, using her creative talents to produce international events. All the while, MJ worked closely with artisans of the island, inspiring her to fulfil a life long dream to create her own line of fine art as furniture. In June 2020, after a three-year creative process, Mary Justice Designs launched the debut collection found across these pages.. The ingenious creations are hand-painted, sustainable, multifunctional furniture in the form of Tilt-Top Tables, Butler & Nesting Trays, Folding Tables, Wine Buckets and Lazy Susan’s. They are a culmination of her love of decorative arts and unique stories collected from her personal voyages throughout the Indonesian Archipelago and the knowledge she attained whilst studying European Fine and Decorative Arts at Christie’s London. The collections focus on exotic heirloom quality pieces in a themed series of paintings depicting bucolic jungles and mountain scenes featuring monkeys, leopards, tropical underwater marine life, birds, butterflies and bugs. All are meticulously hand-painted and carved by master artisans using sustainable teak and mahogany woods. What makes the themed collections covetable as one-of-a-kind pieces are the process, craftsmanship and multi-functionality of the range. A master artist executes the illustrations, painstakingly painted on to gessoed wood - a 16th-century technique that requires 9 to 12 brushstrokes to produce the equivalent of one brushstroke on canvas. Each piece takes up to four weeks to complete. Very few Master Artists and Master carvers can execute and interpret this art form with such precision and perfection. Only 15 pieces in each collection are made, making each MJD piece not just a precious work of art to be treasured but also a collectable heirloom to be passed down through generations. MJ’s thirst for knowledge and collaborative efforts with the artists she works with fulfil an immense personal desire to portray Indonesia’s ethereal biodiversity at its finest.
MJD COLLECTION RECENTLY FEATURED IN
PANTHERA COLLECTION
TILT-TOP TABLE + OVAL TRAY + OCCASIONAL TABLE A generous oval vertical tilt top table and removable tray hand carved and crafted with our signature “Stormy Mahogany” finish. The multi-functional table can be used as a pop of art when being displayed as a tilt top table, or as a side table with removable tray for entertaining. The tilt top tray is supported by an occasional table that can hold drinks and nibbles, flowers or objets d’art. The tray can be placed on an ottoman or coffee table to keep accessories or essentials in elegant order. Dimensions Oval tray 63.5x46x76 cm (WxDxH) Occasional tripod table 25x25x73.5 cm (WxDxH) CUSTOMIZABLE EMBOSSING
Designers Inspiration The Panthera collection features a Clouded Leopard; the last well-known species of the big cats left endangered through deforestation. One of the quirky attributes of the species is its long strong tail used to climb up and down tree trunks. Cleverly encircling a bucolic forest scene, the leopard sits proudly defending what is left of his perch. Designer Mary Justice Thomasson
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Materials & Techniques In-studio master carvers use century-old tools to meticulously hand carve each piece. The fiery lightening streak Stormy Mahogany finish is achieved using a signature technique developed in house. A sustainable PU water based finish is added to the acrylic and gouache painting on gessoed wood making it spill proof and ever lasting.
Hand-painted acrylic and gouache on gesso.
Our signature Stormy Mahogany finish
Water resistant and spill proof
Customizable brass plaque with the limited-edition series number
Signed by the designer Mary Justice and the master artist
FLORA COLLECTION
FOLDING TABLE + 2 NESTING TRAYS + BASE
A multi-use folding table with two nesting trays. Available in three heights it can be used as a side table, cocktail table, card table or an informal dining tray. The nesting trays are perfect for holding essentials you like to keep handy, serving morning or afternoon tea, or evening nightcaps. The base stand transforms this piece into a decorative objet d’art to be admired as a stand-alone statement piece. Dimensions 57.4x38.1 cm (WxD) 3 Height options available 61 cm / 66 cm / 76 cm
CUSTOMIZABLE EMBOSSING
Designers Inspiration The Flora Collection pays homage to Nutmeg, the spice which was once more valuable than gold and sparked the historic Spice Wars in the Banda Islands. Our decorative twist is symbolized in the metamorphosis of the butterfly heralding Indonesia’s Independence from the Dutch who traded the small island of Run with it’s nutmeg plantations for Manhattan.
Designer Mary Justice Thomasson
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Materials & Techniques FSC certified sustainable teak wood is used to fashion the legs in faux bamboo; a Chinese 16th-century technique brought to Europe in the 1800s. The “Buddha bamboo” markings are the most complex of all to carve as each knot is hand-honed so no two knots are ever the same. A sustainable PU water based finish is added to the acrylic and gouache painting on gessoed wood making it spill proof and everlasting.
Detail of feet inspired by the hoof of the bearded wild pig from Borneo
Hand-carved faux bamboo also known as Buddha bamboo
Customizable brass plaque with the limited edition series number. Signed by designer Mary Justice and the master artist.
MJD’s patent-pending lock and hold system
CERTAINLY SIMIAN COLLECTION BUTLER’S TRAY + 2 NESTING TRAYS + FOLDING BASE
A removable Butlers tray with two nesting trays sit atop a folding faux bamboo base. Available in three heights to suit any space or social occasion, this three-in-one multi-functional set is ideal for serving breakfast in bed, as a bathroom caddy or as a portable bar to serve cocktails and canapés. Dimensions 57.4x38.1 cm (WxD) 3 Height options available 61 cm / 66 cm / 76 cm CUSTOMIZABLE EMBOSSING
Designers Inspiration A voyage to Borneo on the rivers of Kalimantan to visit Orangutangs in their habitat had a turnabout face when a family of rare white-handed gibbons, known as the Lar Gibbon, came out to play. Gentle and well-mannered in their ways, the Lar Gibbons are mostly monogamous with their mate and tender and playful with one another. Their beautiful markings of white-gloved hands and feet inspired this whimsical piece.
Designer Mary Justice Thomasson
TRADE INQUIRIES contact@maryjusticedesigns.com Send a copy of your resale certificate and receive a unique code for trade discount to be used on our
Materials & Techniques FSC certified sustainable teak wood is used to fashion the legs in faux bamboo; a Chinese 16th-century technique brought to Europe in the 1800s. The “Buddha bamboo” markings are the most complex of all to carve as each knot is hand honed so no two knots are ever the same. A sustainable PU water-based finish is added to the acrylic and gouache painting on gessoed wood making it spill proof and everlasting.
Hand-painted acrylic and gouache on gesso
Water resistand and spill proof
Ebonized teak finish
Faux bamboo carving also known as Buddha bamboo
Monkey feet carving
Customizable brass plaque with the limited-edition series number. Signed by the designer Mary Justice and the artist.
DEEP OCEAN COLLECTION OVAL TRAY + BASE
A generous oval vertical tilt top table with removable tray is finished in our signature Classic Ocean-Blue stained mahogany wood. The pedestal tripod transposes to a clever occasional table for an array of uses. Multi-functional and masterful this piece can be used as an attention grabbing art work when displayed upright or as a side table with removable tray for entertaining. The smartly hidden occasional table works as its own piece of furniture to hold a side lamp, vase of flowers or a display of your favorite books. The tray can be placed on an ottoman or coffee table to use for drinks and dining. Dimensions Oval tray 63.5x46x76 cm (WxDxH) Occasional tripod table 25x25x73.5 cm (WxDxH) CUSTOMIZABLE EMBOSSING
Designers Inspiration On several Indian Ocean dive expeditions across the Indonesian archipelago we delved into an underwater wonderland of vibrant coloured coral and incredible marine life. The predatory Lionfish with its long flowing dorsal spines and wide pectoral fins of bold red and the air- breathing reef-dwelling Banded Sea snake with its metallic royal blue and black stripes have been highlighted in this vibrant cosmic coloured painting. Designer Mary Justice Thomasson
TRADE INQUIRIES contact@maryjusticedesigns.com Send a copy of your resale certificate and receive a unique code for trade discount to be used on our
Materials & Techniques The Mahogany wood is hand carved and hand painted using our own signature coloured Classic Ocean Blue finish. The artwork is hand painted on gessoed wood. A sustainable PU water-based finish is added to the acrylic and gouache painting making it spill proof and everlasting.
Signature Classic Deep Ocean Blue finish
Hand-painted acrylic and gouache on gesso
Water resistant and spill proof
Customizable brass plaque with the limited-edition series number. Signed by the designer Mary Justice and the artist.
FLIGHTS OF FANCY COLLECTION 50 CM LAZY SUSAN
The Lazy Susan is a brilliant centrepiece for any table. When spinning, the Lazy Susan recreates the famous mating dance of the cherished Bird Of Paradise to delight and entertain table guests. The exquisite piece is made using acrylic and gouache, pen and ink painting atop a 50 cm turning wood-base. Dimensions 50x50x4 cm (WxDxH)
CUSTOMIZABLE EMBOSSING
Designers Inspiration The Bird of Paradise is one of the most extraordinary birds in the world. A once in a lifetime encounter with this rare and fancy feathered bird was experienced whilst hiking a mountain in West Papua where we luckily spotted a ‘Wilson’ doing its mating dance at sunrise. This breath-taking moment has been immortalised in this decorative art piece. Designer Mary Justice Thomasson
TRADE INQUIRIES contact@maryjusticedesigns.com Send a copy of your resale certificate and receive a unique code for trade discount to be used on our
Materials & Techniques Hand painted with gouache and acrylic paint combined with a pen and ink drawing from our in-house drawing and watercolours. The painting has a clear PU water-based finish added to the acrylic and gouache painting on gessoed wood making it spill proof and everlasting.
Deep Violet
Blue
Acrylic and gouache, pen and ink drawing. Water resistant and spill proof.
Customizable brass plaque with the limited edition series number. Signed by the designer Mary Justice and artist
DRINK IN THE DEEP OCEAN WINE BUCKET WITH BRASS INSERT
The perfect companion to our Deep Ocean Collection: the 'Drink In The Deep Ocean' wine bucket is inspired by the underwater ecosystem and the organic movement created by nature. Available in two different finishes (Antique and Ebonized) and customizable with an embossed decorative brass plate. The wine buckets hold a removable brass ringed and lined insert with special removable mouldings for wine bottles to ensure wine bottles and ice stay chilled. They can also be used as a vase for flowers as they hold water or remove the brass inlay and use as an attention-grabbing fruit bowl. Embossed brass plaques can be customized for loved ones with a personal message, name or date to commemorate a special occasion. Dimensions 34.5x15.5x21.5 CM (WxDxH) CUSTOMIZABLE EMBOSSING
Materials & Techniques Hand-carved from FSC certified teak wood and ebonized with Indian ink. Sanded, sealed and finished with hard natural wax. Comes with a brass bucket insert with two removable dividers that hold two bottles of wine, champagne or sparkling water and ice, or to be used as an ice bucket, vivacious vase or as a stand alone objet d’art.
Colour Ebonized Designer Mary Justice Thomasson
Materials & Techniques Hand-carved from FSC certified teak wood and finished in Antique. Sanded, sealed and finished with hard natural wax. Comes with a brass bucket insert with two removable dividers that hold two bottles of wine, champagne or sparkling water and ice, or to be used as an ice bucket, vivacious vase or as a stand alone objet d’art.
Colour Antique Designer Mary Justice Thomasson
RESPONSIBLE DESIGN AND SUSTAINABILITY At Mary Justice Designs sustainability has been a design priority for us in every aspect of our process. Our mission is to create multi-functional works-of-art that stand the test of time and preserve the resources and techniques of ancient craftsmanship. From our painting technique to the FSC wood we choose and our packaging materials, our conscious efforts in the use of eco-friendly and durable materials are key to our mission of creating heirloom pieces that stand the test of time. Our sustainable packaging includes custom built storage boxes purposefully designed to reduce the use of packaging and which can be repurposed as storage chests. We use 100% cotton bags and recycled tissue paper to wrap each individual item to ensure safe delivery with minimal waste.
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MJ’s designs are drawn and watercoloured by our in-house artist Sulis to define the design and colours (image 1, 2 and 3). We then collaborate with a master artist who paints our final design on gesso treated wood (image 4).
The creative process has been years in the making and deeply researched on voyages and explorations throughout Indonesia over 15 years. The concepts are hand-drawn and water-coloured in studio by an in-house artist. The original drawings are then carefully painted by Master Indonesian artists onto gessoed wood, a Renaissance technique from the 16th century, which takes 9-12 strokes of paint to create the equivalent of one paint stroke on canvas. The process is long and complex and there are only a few people in the world who are able to do the specialized carving our Master Artists and Craftsmen do. There is such meticulous attention to detail as no machinery is ever used. Each piece takes up to four weeks to complete. Our tilt-top design is the first of its kind where it is a multifunctional piece of furniture. When not in use it can be fashioned into an upright work of art.
SUSTAINABILITY Sourced from sustainable, certified farm plantations in Indonesia (FSC-Certified*) the mahogany and teak woods in our collections are the foundation for our fine art furniture. The wood we pick for our collections is kiln-dried offering protection against degradation ensuring durability and sustainability. We use only sustainable construction methods and tongue and groove (dovetailing) methods to stand the test of time. Our Italian Renaissance technique of painting on ‘‘gesso’’ is central to our mission of sustainability as this technique ensures our art pieces will last in perpetuity. Our pieces are imagined, designed and crafted to be passed down for generations to come. Integral to this is our engagement with Indonesian artists who we collaborate with to preserve the history and it‘s biodiversity. By bringing the tales of the natural word into your home we aspire to “Enhance Your World” through this collaboration. MJD donates a percentage of her proceeds to the Wildlife Conservation Society [WCS] whose mission is to protect Indonesia’s endangered wildlife, returning it to the wild whenever possible.
*Forest Stewardship Council Certification (FSC) ensures that products come from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social and economic benefits.
Aluysius Sulistianta Aluysius ‘Sulis’ is a furniture designer, published poet and master watercolourist with an impressive career as a designer at one of Bali’s most prestigious furniture companies Warisan, and as a production manager at San Juan Ventures. In 2017 he was a finalist of the IFDA 2017 (Indonesian Furniture Design Award). Integral to the design team, he masterminded our unique Tilt Top table design and the intricate lock and hold system which uses no hinges/brass ware featured in our pieces. He works with our master artists and carvers to achieve our final designs.
Tatang BS.p Tatang B.Sp needs little introduction in the art world as a much-lauded master painter of international acclaim. An artist of social and political criticism he is one of Indonesia’s foremost master painters. His work “Borderless” was chosen for the Olympic Fine Arts 2008 Beijing, China, and is now in the permanent collection in Switzerland at the Lausanne Olympics Museum. His work “Song of The Silent Forest” (ARMA Museum, Ubud) represents Anthropomorphism (humankind) vs Biomorphisim (natural world) is a masterpiece that is symbiotic to the essence of our designs.
Ikshanto Eko Born in the world’s most famous wood carving town of Jepara, our Master Carver Eko is a craftsman whose works have been admired by thousands. Some say Eko was born with a chisel in his hand and his outstanding works can be seen in luxury resorts and hotels such as the Westin New York, Times Square, and private commissions around the globe. His classic artisan carving techniques are not only learned but ingrained in his culture handed down by generations of wood carvers. Eko uses only hand-held tools and much patience when hand perfecting our works of art. He brings his incredible carpentry, carving and finishing skills to MJD working hand in hand with our Furniture designer Sulis, interpreting and bringing to life the technically challenging
FURNITURE
Panthera Collection $2400 Tilt-top table, tray and occasional table
Flora Collection $2400 Folding table, nesting trays and base
Certainly Simian Collection $2400 Butlers tray, nesting trays and folding base
Deep Ocean Collection $2400 Tilt-top table, tray and occasional
Flights Of Fancy Collection Blue $1150 50 cm Lazy Suzan
Flights Of Fancy Collection Violet $1150 50 cm Lazy Suzan
HOME ACCESSORIES
Drink In The Deep Ocean Antique $1050 Wine bucket and brass bucket insert
Drink In The Deep Ocean Ebonized $1050 Wine bucket and brass bucket insert
SHOP THE COLLECTIONS www.maryjusticedesigns.com
PRODUCTION TIME 4 to 6 weeks from date of order
SOCIAL MEDIA @maryjusticedesigns
SHIPPING AND DELIVERY 5 to 10 days post production
TRADE INQUIRIES contact@maryjusticedesigns.com Send a copy of your resale certificate and receive a unique code for trade discount to be used on our website.
PRIVATE COMMISSIONS Corporate, hospitality, residential and private commissions