VESSEL TURNED FROM BUCKEYE BURL, WITH AFRICAN BLACKWOOD FINIAL

This small vessel has been turned from an especially dramatic piece of Buckeye Burl [Aesculus californica]. Buckeye and related species are native to the eastern and western United States. Much of it comes from California, hence the botanical name of this species. The timber from California and Oregon is not particularly interesting underground, but in its burl (above ground) form, Buckeye more than makes up for this: the wood is soft, with a palette of grays, whites, blacks, and some brown and orange. This all comes all from the oxidizing of underground minerals the burl has absorbed. The patterns that are generated by these colors are simply spectacular, like no other burl wood in the world.  The variations and shapes in the figure are endlessly fascinating.

The fissures in the bottom of the vessel have been inlaid with Turquoise, giving a striking color contrast and stabilizing the whole form.

The finial in atop this vessel is African Blackwood, the premier detail wood available to woodworkers.

5" dia x 5" high