Two burr oak bowls

Description of work

Two oak burrs weighing around 6 kilograms each (important as they were priced per kg to buy), both inevitably different in shape and make-up, which determined the final shape of these bowls. The burr oak bowl on the right had a long thin flat area, which I originally shaped and left as a lip on the bowl (see photo below), but eventually I decided it would look better without it.

Burrs are formed when unnatural twiggy growth spurts from the main trunk or a bough, usually as a result of some damage or stress. This creates numerous pips and knots tightly packed together, and also causes the wood to crack when it dries. No attempt has been made to fill the cracks, which have been left to retain the natural patterning of the wood. These burrs also have areas of bark left on them.

Should you be interested in purchasing a similar bowl, supply is subject to availability of burrs, and of course the patterning is subject to what turns up once the burr is turned.

These bowls is finished with mineral oil and then beeswax, leaving a matt sheen rather than a high polish.

Related work