American Hornbeam Burl Bowl (17SF76) SOLD

This bowl was turned from an American Hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana) burl that came from near Grand Rapids, Michigan. The photo below shows a piece of the unusual burl. This piece is half of the full burl that was cut perpendicular to the log for turning two end-grain bowls. Images of the complete burl are also shown above. The burl is unusual since it has many small sticks protruding all over its surface. These were clipped off during the turning since they had a nasty whip like effect on the turner! The wood has a stunning pearl like, mottled agate figuring, with flaming radial rays everywhere. There are also many small dark spots and some larger bark inclusions with holes. These small buds and inclusions indicate that the burl was trying to grow branches, consistent with the small sticks on the surface. These dark features provide a great contrast to the light pearly wood, as does the bark edge. The pith or center of the log is in the center of the bottom of the bowl. You can see the circular growth rings with crossing radial lines, reminiscent of the grain of oak wood. American hornbeam is a very hard and strong wood! The bowl was turned using handheld tools on a lathe from green wood, dried for several months, and sanded to 600 grit. The bowl was sealed with two coats of tung oil, hand sanded after each coat, and finished with a buffed thin coat of beeswax and walnut oil. This finish is considered food safe, although this bowl is best suited for artistic display. This bowl should last for hundreds of years and improve gracefully with age. It is a great example of American hornbeam burl. American hornbeam burls are very rare, making this bowl quite special, a collector's piece.

 

All my bowls are can be returned for a full refund if you are unsatisfied for any reason within 60 days. You must only pay the return shipping.

All of my bowls come with a laminated card with images of the bowl and burl, a complete description of the bowl and making process, and the artist's bio on the back side. There is no price on the card so it can be used if the bowl is given as a gift.