Yew Vase (Small)

A companion piece to the larger yew vase, turned from the same branch of the same fire-damaged tree south of Maidstone.

Like its bigger sibling, the branch had that distinctive muscular twist that makes yew such a challenge to work with. The rippling grain fought the tools at every turn, but the reward was worth the effort.

Where the larger vase retained a couple of sections of pale sapwood, this piece had to be turned thinner to get past the cracking. The result is pure heartwood throughout — no sapwood on display at all, but the grain patterns more than compensate. The golden tones and flowing lines are some of the most striking I’ve produced.

The melamine lacquer finish transforms the wood — the swirling grain patterns seem to glow, with rich amber and honey tones running through every curve.