Cleopatra Ash Burl Bowl

Regular price $5,750.00
Ships within 2-3 Days
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A MASTERPIECE CARVED FROM NATURE'S RARITY

Cleopatra begins in our Hartland, VT workshop, where disturbances in the growth of ash trees create burl wood: dense, swirling grain marked by unexpected color and occasional voids and bark inclusions found nowhere else. Our woodworkers carefully mill and hand-turn each burl to reveal this natural fingerprint, working with patience and a delicate hand to protect its fragile character. Turned on the generous pattern of our XXL Champlain bowl, Cleopatra's pale yellow and amber grain twists in waves across a scale rarely seen in burl work, transforming voids and bark inclusions into part of its story rather than a flaw. Once finish-sanded, it becomes a singular, organic showpiece built to anchor any room. A true collector's piece, Cleopatra is for those who appreciate natural beauty at its most dramatic.

A MASTERPIECE CARVED FROM NATURE'S RARITY A MASTERPIECE CARVED FROM NATURE'S RARITY A MASTERPIECE CARVED FROM NATURE'S RARITY A MASTERPIECE CARVED FROM NATURE'S RARITY A MASTERPIECE CARVED FROM NATURE'S RARITY

LUXURY GIFTS, SHAPED BY HAND

Every curve, grain, and finish tells the story of Vermont craftsmanship, made to be given and kept for a lifetime.

Nature's Rarest Canvas, Honored Responsibly: Sustainability in Our Burl Art

Nature's Rarest Canvas, Honored Responsibly: Sustainability in Our Burl Art

Burl wood is one of the most extraordinary expressions of a hardwood tree, and we treat it with corresponding respect. Every burl we work with is sourced from forests near our Hartland, VT workshop, and cut from fallen or damaged trees which would otherwise go to waste.

We honor the wood in its natural state, finished only with our non-toxic, allergen-free Refined Walnut Wood Oil, ensuring that the piece's extraordinary character comes entirely from nature.

Through our Tree for a Tree program, each burl tree purchase supports the reforestation of the forests that supply these rare and beautiful materials, ensuring this extraordinary resource continues to exist for future generations.

Burl Bowl Care & Maintenance

How do I care for a one-of-a-kind burl bowl?
Maintaining a burl bowl is a simple ritual of stewardship. We finish each piece with our Refined Walnut Wood Oil. Light dusting with a clean cloth is sufficient for routine care. Once or twice a year, a more thorough dusting is appropriate, followed by a light application of our Wood Oil.
How often should I oil my burl bowl?
For decorative accents like Burl Art, oiling once or twice a year is usually sufficient to maintain their vibrant appearance. Apply a light coat of our Refined Walnut Wood Oil whenever the surface begins to look dull or feel dry to the touch.
Can I use my burl bowl with food?
Most of our burl bowls are intended to be artistic display pieces and are not intended to be used with food. Their value lies in their one-of-a-kind grain and sculptural beauty, so we recommend treating them as a showpiece rather than a serving vessel.
What is the best way to clean a burl bowl?
Light dusting with a clean, soft cloth is all that is needed for routine care. Avoid water, soap, or soaking, since burl wood's dense, irregular grain can be more sensitive to moisture than a standard single-piece bowl.
Why does a burl bowl need different care than a standard wooden bowl?
Burl wood is a rare growth with a chaotic, swirling grain, bark inclusions, and dense knots, making it more delicate and unpredictable than straight-grain hardwood. Because most burl pieces are display art rather than food vessels, their care is centered on gentle dusting and periodic oiling rather than the hand-washing routine used for daily-use bowls.
Burl Bowl Care & Maintenance

What kinds of wood do you use?

We primarily work with black walnut and cherry hardwoods, with select pieces in maple or rare burl wood. All of our timber is sustainably harvested from managed forests. Black Walnut is prized for its dark, sophisticated chocolate tones, contrasting sapwood, and dramatic grain. Cherry is loved for its warm red or tan hue that matures into a rich, deep reddish-brown over time. Both stand up beautifully to daily use and only grow more beautiful with proper care.

Can I give an Andrew Pearce product as a special gift?

Yes. Our products are the premier choice for weddings, housewarmings, and 5th-anniversary wood celebrations. Their functional elegance and timeless beauty complement any lifestyle or setting, serving as meaningful tokens of appreciation that recipients will cherish as a central part of their daily routine and festive traditions.

What can I expect from the Andrew Pearce New Arrivals collection?

Our New Arrivals showcase the latest evolution of our Vermont workshop, ranging from innovative hardwood home and kitchen items to sculptural home accents. Each piece is designed to enliven your daily ritual and elevate your most significant milestones.

How do I stay updated on new product launches?

Join our email list or follow us on social media to stay informed about the latest hand-turned designs from our Hartland, Vermont workshop. Because our artisans work in small, intentional batches, many New Arrivals have limited availability and tend to move quickly.

Are Andrew Pearce wooden products food-safe?

Absolutely. Every piece we craft is finished with our non-toxic, allergen-free Refined Walnut Wood Oil. This food-safe finish penetrates the hardwood fibers to create a resilient barrier against moisture and bacteria, while enlivening the naturally beautiful grain. Our products are designed for the rigors of the daily kitchen, from serving vibrant salads to presenting artisanal charcuterie.

How do I restore the luster to a dull wooden bowl?

Apply a light coat of our Refined Walnut Wood Oil to the surface of your bowl. Allow the oil to penetrate the fibers for a few minutes, then buff away the excess with a soft cloth and let dry for at least six hours before use. This simple ritual seals the wood, prevents graying, and keeps the grain vibrant and resistant to food odors and stains.

Are wooden bowls food safe for hot and cold liquids?

Yes. Our bowls are hand-turned from a single piece of solid hardwood. This natural integrity, combined with our food-safe Refined Walnut Wood Oil finish, ensures a non-toxic surface for both hot and cold preparations. Regular conditioning with our wood oil keeps your bowl performing beautifully for years to come.

Are Andrew Pearce bowls made from a single piece of wood?

Yes. All of our bowls begin as solid forms cut from logs sourced from the United States. Unlike most commercial wooden bowls, which are made from multiple pieces of wood or bamboo, each Andrew Pearce bowl is turned from one solid block of hardwood, honoring the natural grain and strength of the tree and achieving a rare elegance and durability.

How do I choose the right size wooden bowl for my family?

Our small bowls hold an individual serving of salad. Medium bowls serve four to six people, and large bowls are ideal for six to eight. Our extra large and double extra large sizes are perfect for bigger gatherings. When in doubt, size up so your bowl can grow with every occasion.

What is a "live edge" wooden bowl?

A live edge bowl is a tribute to the tree's natural architecture. Unlike symmetrical round bowls, the rim of a live edge piece follows the organic, undulating contours of the outside of the tree from which it was made. We hand-turn these bowls to highlight the striking transition between the deep, rich heartwood and the creamy, lighter-colored sapwood found just beneath the bark.

Is the irregular rim of a live edge bowl fragile?

While the silhouette appears delicate and airy, the rim is remarkably resilient. We work with dense, high-quality cherry and walnut, and every irregular edge is hand-sanded to be smooth and structurally sound.

Why is there a lighter color around the edge of my walnut or cherry bowl?

That is the sapwood, the younger outer layer of the tree. In hardwoods like black walnut and cherry, there is a beautiful contrast between the dark heartwood at the center and the lighter sapwood at the edges. We intentionally celebrate this transition in our Live Edge collection as a tribute to the organic origins of each piece.

Are Andrew Pearce live edge bowls made with bark?

No. We remove the bark from every piece to ensure structural integrity. Bark is naturally brittle and can peel over time. By preserving the shape of the tree just beneath the bark, we deliver the live edge aesthetic in a durable, easy-to-clean, heirloom-quality piece.

Can I use mineral oil instead of walnut oil on my salad servers?

While mineral oil is a common petroleum-based finish, we recommend our Refined Walnut Wood Oil as a superior, plant-based alternative. Our oil cures hard as it dries, providing a more durable and naturally beautiful finish that protects your servers for years to come.