Carved & Ebonised Wooden Bowl No688
$425.00
Sold!
This medium sized Pohutukawa bowl features a hand-carved and ebonised exterior with a natural wood interior, creating a striking contrast that highlights both the grain and colour of the wood as well as the chisel marks. Shaped and finished by hand this simple, practical form makes it well-suited as a wooden salad bowl or fruit bowl, balancing everyday functionality with artistic detail.
Ebonising is a beautiful way to turn wood black, as the transformation happens within the wood itself rather than sitting on the surface like paint. The natural grain and texture remain visible, giving depth and character to the finished bowl.
Made from sustainably sourced New Zealand native Pohutukawa, this handcrafted wooden bowl exemplifies the blend of form, function, and beauty. It is designed to be both a practical serving bowl and on display.
Functional Rating?
The Functional Rating runs from 1 to 5 and is my way of giving you an idea of how practical a bowl or platter is for everyday use.
Each piece sits somewhere on this scale depending on factors such as the type of wood, the smoothness and easy clean finish of the interior surface, or whether it features artistic elements like natural voids or inclusions.
1 – Display Piece Only
Solely suitable as an art or display piece. May be delicate or has features that make it unsuitable for kitchen use.
2 – Lightly Functional
Can hold large dry items such as fruit or bread, but may have large voids or other inclusions.
3 – Moderately Functional
Good for fruit or leafy salads. May include some natural voids but remains robust overall.
4 – Highly Functional
Ideal for daily salads or general serving. Water-tight but may be finely turned or have a natural edge.
5 – Fully Functional
Suitable for nearly everything, including hot foods. These are the workhorses — strong, durable, and ready for everyday use.
What is Ebonising?
Ebonising is a traditional technique used to turn wood a deep, permanent black by reacting iron acetate with the natural tannins in the timber. Unlike paint or stain, the colour change happens within the wood itself, preserving its grain and texture while ensuring it won’t fade over time or with sunlight.
I often ebonise the outside of a bowl to create contrast and highlight the natural tones inside, or fully ebonise a piece to draw attention to its form and texture. The process is completely food safe, stable, and long-lasting — the black won’t rub off, leach, or change with age.
If you want to read more, see What is ebonised wood