Very Rare Holly Bowl from Agusta, GA (26WS22)

The American holly wood used to make this bowl came from an old holly tree in Agusta Georgia, not far from the famous Masters golf course (see image of the tree). American holly (Ilex opaca) is a hardwood tree with cream colored wood. This bowl shows some greenish-blue and red-brown tones with interesting dark patterns from spalting  (a pre-decay condition which is desirable in turned wood).  The bowl was turned end-grain (along the axis of the tree, see photo of the log on the lathe). The pith of the tree is in the center of the bottom of the bowl. The wood has knots from old branches (all knots and dark lines were stabilized and sealed  with CA resin). These knots had unusual jellyfish-like patterns.  There are also wavy growth lines that are trying to show something about the  history of the tree. The wood was turned green and did not crack on drying under controlled conditions. I always try to preserve the bark on bowls because my goal is to show the complete beauty of the wood. Bark is an important part of the tree. This bark nicely contrasts with the lighter sap wood in the bowl. This bowl was turned using handheld tools on a lathe from green wood, dried for several months, and sanded to 400 grit. Wood that is turned green will always warp as it dries. This adds a natural quality to the bowl but also requires the bottom to be re-turned so the bowl sits well. The bowl was sealed with two coats of pure tung oil and hand sanded after each coat. This finish is considered food safe so this bowl can be used to serve or display food, although it is best used as an artistic piece. The bowl is stable and should last for hundreds of years and improve gracefully with age. It really does feel great to hold! The wood is very smooth and feels nice to the touch. It gives one a calming feeling when being held and felt.

 

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.