Wave Yakisugi Bowl from Ash 

Size - D 25cm x H 8.5cm 

Finish - Tung Oil and Waxes 

A simple and graphic waved detail which correspond on both sides of the object. Some extraordinary grain through this piece, enhanced further with the undulations. 

This sculptural object has been turned quite thinly, which adds a certain amount of jeopardy when it comes to the yakisugi treatment. But with some careful work I was delighted with the outcome. 

A tip for displaying. Position the bowl on a surface between you and a natural light source. As you move through the space the piece will reflect light off its surface revealing the waves and the grain. Or just pick it up and enjoy it as and when you feel. 

Sourced from trees that had to be felled a few years ago 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. 

A sculptural piece for display.  

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