Tamás Gyenes is Hungary’s leading expert in the creation and restoration of ornamented riven wooden chests, a traditional form of storage furniture with roots tracing back to the early Middle Ages in the Carpathian Basin. Utilizing ancient techniques and hand tools, he revives authentic pieces and crafts new ones, preserving a rich heritage that spans centuries. Many of his award-winning pieces have been featured in museums and exhibitions, showcasing the enduring beauty of his craft.
Riven wooden chests, which Tamás expertly restores, represent one of the oldest forms of storage furniture in the region, crafted from hardwood and embellished with intricate geometric patterns. Their origins can even be traced back to similar chests found in antiquity throughout the Mediterranean and Near East.
Growing up in the Palóc region of northeastern Hungary, Tamás developed a passion for handicrafts early on, inspired by his region's vibrant folk art traditions. He has received prestigious accolades, including the Gold Award and Pomegranate Award at the Hungarian National Living Folk Art Exhibition. His extensive research into the history and regional variations of riven chests is documented in his book, Secrets of Riven Chests, and his reconstructions are displayed in esteemed institutions like the Szentendre Open-Air Ethnographic Museum, where he aims to share this invaluable historical legacy with a broader audience.
