Large Highly Figured Aspen Burl Bowl (19WS22) SOLD

This artistic bowl was turned from an aspen burl that is from the south shore of Lake Superior in the UP of Michigan. Photos above show the complete burl on its log and the trimmed burl mounted on the lathe.  Aspen burls are my favorite to turn. They are always challenging with lots of issues like soft decayed areas, cracking along grain lines, worms, and soft areas just under the bark. Aspen burls are also rare. Very vew people turn aspen burls for these reasons, but the end result is always spectacular. I wanted this bowl to be deep because the amazing grain figuring was extensive. In order to achieve this, I included some of the trimmed areas in the rim of the bowl, giving a partial bark edge. This was the correct decision because the grain figuring is very special, and the large size really shows this off. The spalting patterns (meandering dark lines) are amazing and the grain figuring includes a lot of curly flame, unusual in aspen burl, and tight swirls with golden colors. There are also bark inclusions, several worm holes and worm tracks. The bowl has a deep rounded shape with beautiful thick bark. All of the soft areas and grain lines in this bowl are hardened and stabilized with thin CA resin. I am always amazed how beautiful aspen burl bowls are and this justifies all the extra work. The colors in this bowl include red, yellow, gold, black and overtones of green. The bowl was turned from green wood using handheld tools on a lathe, dried for several months, and sanded to 600 grit. All bowls that are turned from green wood will warp as they dry. I love the look this natural process gives a bowl. 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 so this bowl can be used to display food. This bowl should last for hundreds of years and improve gracefully with age. This is a collector's piece and a great example of an aspen burl bowl. Imagine how this would look on a wood table or on a shelf. It would certainly stimulate lots of conversation and add something special to any room.

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.