Large Radiant Birch Burl Bowl (20SF2) SOLD

This bowl was turned from a birch burl that came from the UP of Michigan, just across the lake from my shop. The burl was large and heavy and is shown in images above, including a shot of the trimmed burl on the lathe. You never know what hides inside a birch burl, sometimes rot and sometimes a jewel. The bowl is full of flaming pearl figuring. This is called chatoyance, similar to mother of pearl, tiger eye, and moon stone. The flame moves and curls as it is observed from different angles, but difficult to capture in photos. Birch burl often has some chatoyance, but this bowl has a lot. The bowl also has a live bark edge that gives nice contrast to the light pearly wood. The shape of the bowl evolved from the shape of the burl and my desire to have a complete live edge. The surface of the bowl is smooth but one’s eye tells the brain that it is wavy and moving. This is very special and will make this bowl a conversation piece. The bowl was turned from green wood using handheld tools on a lathe, dried for several months, and sanded to 600 grit. Wood always warps during drying and this bowl warped a lot. You can see the warping in the side view above. I like this since it gives the bowl a natural look. I also re-turn the base area of bowls after drying so it sits well. 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 may be best for artistic display. It can be used for holding and displaying fruit or bread This bowl is stunning and will be the center of attraction on a large table or in a large room. A solid birch burl of this size is very unusual. This bowl is for the collector of rare and unusual artistic wood pieces.

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.