Conical Yakisugi Bowl from Ash 

Size - D 21cm x H 5.5cm 

Finish - Tung Oil and Waxes 

A simple and graphic cone form which I have been experimenting with recently. Some really beautiful clean and calming grain, the orientation of which is deliberately chosen to express it. 

This object has been turned very thinly towards the edge, which adds an huge amount of jeopardy when it comes to the yakisugi treatment. There is a charming wobble to this edge and yet has remained intact. So pleased this one survived! 

Sourced a 90 year old tree that had to be felled last year in our woodland. Unfortunately we have had a lot of problems with ‘ash dieback’ a disease which ash trees get. 

I’m really trying to make the most of this ash wood while we still have it. As such I’ve continued working on these yakisugi pieces and they have come to be a bit of an obsession, really fueling my creative expression. 

‘Yakisugi’ is a Japanese method of wood preservation using fire, dating back to the 18th Century and often used to treat the external wooden cladding of a building. 

Here I’m using Ash which has an open grain structure and the rapid springtime growth is far less dense than the later summer growth. This burns more easily and so when brushed down creates a beautiful texture all over the surface. 

After scorching, the pieces are meticulously burnished using a stiff brush, removing loose char and bringing the surface to a slight polish. 

 All pieces are stamped with my makers mark, a very subtle ‘H’ on the underside so as to not detract from the beauty of the object. 

- Tung Oil comes from a nut so please be aware if you have a nut allergy. 

- for decoration or display 

- hand wash / wipe down only