Urushi Side Bowls

I have been loving experiments with urushi of late.

This art goes back thousands of years in Japan where it has been used for decoration on bowls, boxes and pens.

Made from the sap of a tree, Toxicodendron vernicifluum, which can generously cause itching rashes to the skin when wet, it cures to a hard, durable, waterproof finish of great beauty.

The process of applying a layer, curing, applying another, curing, on and on, appeals to a sense of detail and a slow, patient way of working that appeals to me.

The bowls are turning on the lathe from year felled sycamore that is at its best right now, and I have gone as thin as I dare, down to 3 or 4mm thickness, giving them a light and delicate feel in the hand.

They are between 5" and 5.5" diameter and stand 2,5" tall.

These bowls have urushi on the inside only, with the wood being allowed to speak for itself on the outside.

They are suitable for hot foods and should be hand washed rather than put in a dishwasher.

Price is per bowl.

Northern Wood Monkey is now resident in the Republic of Ireland.

Since Brexit is has become unviable to send any items to the UK from Ireland as I am just a small business and the admin and costs are prohibitive. I am occasionally in the UK and it may be possible to send from the UK when I am there, please contact me to discuss.

Courses will be running from my home in Ireland from Spring 2025. We are in beautiful and gentle countryside here in Co Mayo and a day on a course would make a great addition to a holiday.

RIGHT HAND BOWL SOLD