Dimensions: 5.75" diameter x 4.5" tall
One-of-a-kind piece handmade in my shop in Cumberland, Ontario. This piece is from an exquisite Big Leaf Maple burl from British Columbia. This specie produces some of the most beautiful burls in North America and this piece is no exception! It comes with exceptional burl figure and burl eyes and includes bark intrusions and a live edge top opening. The burl figure is quite intense to produce an exquisite art piece!!
Such a hollow form is produced by carving the outside first and then carving the wood inside the vessel by inserting a tool through the top hole in the piece. Bit by bit the wood is carved out and the chips removed from the inside of the vase up to the point where the wall of the vessel is a consistent 1/4" thick or less. It is a long process that comes with the risk of shattering the piece by going through the wall in one spot! Experience is the key here! Since the turner does not see the cutting edge one must proceed with the "feel" of the tool and constant measurements. The piece is finished with polymerized tung oil.
Why are burl pieces more expensive? Burls or burrs are tree growths in which the grain has grown in a deformed manner. They are very rare and difficult to find and consequently very expensive. They are difficult and sometimes dangerous to turn due to cracks, bark intrusions and weak areas in the wood. Finally, they often present big design challenges because of their irregular shapes.
The final product is a beautiful decorative vase. Since the vase is empty it can certainly hold dried flowers or similar ornaments (no water please!) but it is usually admired as a stand-alone piece.
Product # 01-40 hotsell
Product code: Maple Burl Vase - small (4.5" diam x hotsell 5.75") hand turned Big leaf maple burl vase