Bowl

Art Historical Context

This exquisite burlwood bowl, crafted by an unknown artisan between 1670 and 1730, exemplifies the woodworking traditions of colonial America. Measuring 5¼ x 15 x 13¾ inches, its wide, shallow form was ideal for serving fruits, breads, or punch in early American households. The medium—burlwood, a rare and highly figured growth from trees like maple or walnut—reveals swirling, flame-like grain patterns that transform a humble utilitarian object into a work of natural artistry. Lathe-turned by skilled hands, the bowl showcases the woodturner's precision in shaping irregular burls without waste, ...