A special bowl in Crotch Olive Ash

Crotch olive ash wood, with its striking figure, is a testament to the beauty found in a tree’s most intricate points. The “crotch,” where the trunk splits into two or more large limbs, yields wood characterized by swirling grain patterns that converge and diverge in captivating ways. These patterns often resemble feathers or flames, interplaying light and dark tones, ranging from creamy whites and pale yellows to warm tans and deeper browns. This unique figuring makes crotch olive ash highly sought after for decorative purposes. It’s a wood that celebrates irregularity, transforming what might be considered a flaw into a captivating, visual masterpiece.

This particular bowl was turned as a gift from a very nice Olive Ash blank and finished in oil to further enhance the natural beauty of the wood and offer long-lasting protection. It was a delight to turn, though the irregularity of its pattern makes it a somewhat challenging.