513 year old Bubinga slab on display in Charm, OH

[Japonicus]

This was a seedling during the Christopher Columbus era



The little tags are significant dates in history globally, such as nearing the 400 year old growth ring
the telephone was invented. Approximates to be a seedling in 1491 where it lived just South of Nigeria.
Now on display at Keim Lumber, in Charm, OH with strong Amish influence and presence.


Here is an example of a live edge slab for $35,000 on etsy and a couple other examples

 

[Maiden69]

Bubinga is quite interesting. I was debating between bubinga, quilted redwood, and quilted maple for the last guitar I build. I was able to secure a 1" thick quilt maple bookmatched top with a 1 3/4" figured black limba for the body. I love figured woods, I sold the little bit I had left but kept a decent 1/4" flamed maple bookmatched top. Still undecided on what to use it. I though about the top for a bonsai stand, but that would take a lot of attention away from the tree.

 

[rockm]

George Nakashima is probably looking on from heaven making plans for that piece of wood.

https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2019/important-design/george-nakashima-an-important-conoid-dining-table

 

[penumbra]

I want to be a tree but I don't have the patience.

 

[just.wing.it]

I want to be a tree but I don't have the patience.

Maybe you'll be reincarnated as a tree....
But is that a good thing or a bad thing?
And what species?

 

[Japonicus]

George Nakashima is probably looking on from heaven making plans for that piece of wood.

https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2019/important-design/george-nakashima-an-important-conoid-dining-table

Love the edge, hate the butterflies. Clear epoxy or nothing would have been less obtrusive, subtle.

 

[penumbra]

Love the edge, hate the butterflies. Clear epoxy or nothing would have been less obtrusive, subtle.

Butterflies? Am I missing something?

 

[Japonicus]

Butterflies? Am I missing something?

Sure. The bow tie like stitching inserts in the fissures used here to keep the cracks from expanding over time.

Metal banding or a bridge of sorts underneath can hold the splits together. Clear or coloured epoxy is another option.
Though in a fairly controlled environment, the wood is pretty stable with that thickness.
These are common in modern woodworking, even on pieces that don't require them. I've seen them on book match slabs.
I dislike them completely. They are precise, symmetrical and in direct contrast to natural, and this piece was all about natural.
Would like to have seen a high end natural root, twin base that complimented a piece going for 250,000 - 350,000

 

[rockm]

Love the edge, hate the butterflies. Clear epoxy or nothing would have been less obtrusive, subtle.

Um, well, Nakashima WANTED the butterflies to stand out. It's part of his signature and were meant to provide contrast and emphasis to the natural forms of the wood. Nakashima's work philosophy lies very close to that of bonsai. His studio is in New Hope, Pa., near where Chase Rosade's bonsai studio is located. I don't know if the two knew each other. Nakashima died in 1990.

10 things to know about George Nakashima | Christie's

The life and philosophy of the American furniture maker who applied ‘a thousand skills… to shape wood and realise its true potential’

www.christies.com

home - George Nakashima Woodworker Documentary

nakashimadocumentary.com

 

[penumbra]

Sure. The bow tie like stitching inserts in the fissures used here to keep the cracks from expanding over time.
View attachment 399052
Metal banding or a bridge of sorts underneath can hold the splits together. Clear or coloured epoxy is another option.
Though in a fairly controlled environment, the wood is pretty stable with that thickness.
These are common in modern woodworking, even on pieces that don't require them. I've seen them on book match slabs.
I dislike them completely. They are precise, symmetrical and in direct contrast to natural, and this piece was all about natural.
Would like to have seen a high end natural root, twin base that complimented a piece going for 250,000 - 350,000

OK, thanks. I didn't notice them. I have seen them on many pieces. They don't bother me at all. I think they are very clever.

 

[Japonicus]

I'm sure many like it, but around here we pay higher dollar for clear grade, as with jewels and wood.

 

[rockm]

View attachment 399089
I'm sure many like it, but around here we pay higher dollar for clear grade, as with jewels and wood.

Many do like it. FWIW, Nakashima began the use of "live edge" furniture with materials most woodworkers like yourself would throw away. He began woodworking while interned in a detention camp in 1942 in Idaho using what was at hand. Like his work or not, his influence on woodworking and art is long and deep.

A Look at George Nakashima’s Instinctual Woodworking

The Japanese-American architect celebrated the live edge with a style that emphasized nature's imperfections

www.architecturaldigest.com

 

[Japonicus]

Many do like it. FWIW, Nakashima began the use of "live edge" furniture with materials most woodworkers like yourself would throw away. He began woodworking while interned in a detention camp in 1942 in Idaho using what was at hand. Like his work or not, his influence on woodworking and art is long and deep.

A Look at George Nakashima’s Instinctual Woodworking

The Japanese-American architect celebrated the live edge with a style that emphasized nature's imperfections

www.architecturaldigest.com

I would never throw it away but that's out priced, as is a lot of art.
I think it's the artist that is associated with the piece, more than the piece itself most often.
Still, it's a beautiful piece...