Vessel Turned from Camphor Burl, African Blackwood Finial

This vase was turned from a fantastic square of Camphor Burl (Cinnamomum camphora), a truly extraordinary burl wood notable for its amazing figure, which rivals even the most impressive burl woods from around the world. It is crowned by a small but highly figured piece of Maidou Burl, also one of the great turning burls. The finial rising from the vessel is African Blackwood, a member of the Rosewood family and the premier detail wood available to woodturners.

After sealing and final sanding, Danish oil is hand-rubbed into the wood, followed by a combination of carnauba and beeswax in a gentle solvent. The turning appears lustrous, but without the depth of lacquer or other thicker finishes.

All profits from sales of woodturnings are donated by the artist to support famine and victim relief in Darfur.