Myrtle and African Blackwood Vessel

This vessel was turned from Figured Myrtle from California and African Blackwood, the premier detail wood for wood turners. Myrtle is a wonderful turning wood, and has subtle but beautiful color, ranging from black to beige to a soft, very light green. This vessel also has a few flashes of Iridescence or chatoyance. The latter is a beautiful optical reflection found in certain gemstones and woods.

The turning has a very gentle ogee profile, giving it a graceful quality particularly well suited to the vessel. While almost entirely black, the African Blackwood has a few spots of gorgeous dark purple. The turning was finely sanded and sealed. After sealing, Danish oil was rubbed into the wood, followed by hand-rubbing with a combination of carnauba and beeswax in a light solvent. This finish has a very light and transparent quality.