U1003

Description

This urn was turned from one of the largest Holly trees that I have ever seen. This tree was 18" diameter at the base and was over 30' tall. I had begun to rot at the top and needed to be taken down. The tan streaks and black lines that you see is called spalting. This is caused by a fungus that enters wood that is stressed and feeds on the sugars and starch in the wood. It does not harm or degrade the wood, but its 1st cousin the fungus that causes the wood to rot follows closely behind. The trick is to catch the wood after it spalts but before it rots. This piece was rough hollowed and placed in the vacuum kiln to remove excess moisture and help stabilize the wood. It is then returned to the lathe for turning to its final shape. It is then sanded and 10+ coats of lacquer are applied. The foot of the urn is black Walnut that was from a local  36" diameter tree that was struck by lighting. The finial is made from fumed Cherry laurel. The finial and trim ring are hand threaded wood.

Shipping is $15.95