This is a nice, small vase made out of California Wild Lilac (Ceanothus thrysiflorus). Also known as Blue Blossom, this drought tolerant native shrub is a popular landscaping species. While chaparoning a field trip with my 3rd grader, I learned that the American Indian used the flower of this tree as soap: put a small amount of the dried flower in your palm, wet it a bit with water, then rub your hands together and the concoction foams up into a fine lather! Will send you a small bag of dried flower with the vessel's purchase so you can try it out. The hard, heavy wood, however, is not often utilized for woodwork because these trees grow in a knobby, contorted way, and the wood split badly while drying. My luck again when my next door neighbor cleaned out their back slope and threw away a few very old specimens, only the portions closest to the root are large enough for turning. The resulting small vessell contains everything typical of this timber: knots, burly grow, mineral stain, bark inclusions, cracks and voids..they combine to produce a visually complex entity. All natural voids and checks were filled with resin for a silky smooth feel. One of a kind collector item!
Dimension (largest diameter x height): 4-1/4" x 4"
PLEASE READ:
-- All wood items were hand turned and/or hand threaded on a lathe. Hardwood threaded inserts were used for woods that do not accept threading well
-- The item was sanded to 1200 grid for a mirror finish and sealed with a food-safe varnish, if applicable. For hard, fine grained wood with a natural shine, only wax and oil were applied
-- Each piece offered is a unique item. The design may be repeated but the dimension and wood combination, and or decorative accent will be different.
-- Artist signature and catalog number will be inscribed on the item, if possible
-- I ship via USPS First Class mail (or Priority Mail if requested). Combined shipping is the highest shipping cost plus $2 for each additional item. Free shipping for 5 or more items purchased at the same time
-- CA sale tax applies (9.25%) for shipping to CA address
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Listed via Shopseen
