Large Spalted Aspen Burl Bowl (18W16) SOLD

This large bowl was turned from an aspen burl that is from the south shore of Lake Superior in the UP of Michigan. Photos above show several views of the burl. This large bowl is a spectacular rare example of an aspen burl. It is very unusual to get such a large aspen burl in good shape for turning. The wood has amazing figuring that includes wavy circular grain, tight swirls typical of aspen burl, shimmering flame (chatoyance), and dark wavy lines and patterns from spalting. The combination of the golden colors, grain figuring, unusual dark lines, and bark that forms the top edge of the bowl is stunning. The shape of the bowl evolved from the shape of the burl, and my desire to bring out the beauty of the wood and maintain as complete a bark edge as possible. The base of the bowl was positioned on the flat cut bottom of the burl (see images above) so the rim has a complete bark edge. The bowl is round and deep and the jagged bark edge shows the interesting contours of the burl. The bark is really special and the jagged edge comes from those knobby bumps on the burl. It took a lot of patience to turn this bowl and keep the bark in tact. All aspen burls present turning problems with decay and cracks along the grain lines. This bowl took two days to turn! The bowl was turned from green wood and allowed to move as it dried. This adds a natural warping that I really like. The bowl was turned using handheld tools on a, 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 so the bowl can be used for holding food such as fruit or bread, although this it is best suited for artistic display. This is one of the best aspen burl bowls I have turned and will be a great conversation piece in any home.

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.