BACKGROUND...
The Huon Pine species is only to be found in Tasmania and has become symbolic of that state, in fact their Parliament is extensively furnished from Huon timber.
Since the 1970's, the Huon Pine has been a highly protected species, absolutely no-one is permitted to fell living trees and even the collection of "dead wood" is permitted only with special permission.
Now, go forward a few years and the big news at the time was the Franklin River protests. I was in the Strahan area to soak up a bit of history and see what all the fracas was about re the protests. It is here that I learned about the significance of Huon Pine and my very close friend, who was a talented woodturner, gave me a gift ... this bowl.
He told me that this salvaged wood came from his "backyard" and was originally part of the heart of the very old tree he had salvaged the piece from. This is why the timber is a reddish-brown and not the usual Golden Yellow colour that most Huon Pine is, this wood is distinctly Reddish~Brown in colour. Of course still with the usual Huon characteristics such as the very fine age rings, very smooth finish and that distinctive Huon Pine scent. Recently my dear friend passed over to the "other side" and as I am also perhaps with limited years left, I have decided to find a new owner for this bowl who appreciates what it represents.
This offering is NOT about the bowl, it's "just" a bowl ... nothing too special
But what is very important is that it was hand turned by a very skilled Taswegian using the iconic Huon Pine timber and this bowl was intended to signify lasting friendship with a secondary meaning ... that being old does not mean of no further use to society. Added to that the fact that Huon Pine is only to be found in Tasmania, this was (in my view) a very special gift.
So here are some basic facts about this bowl ...
WOODEN BOWL
Crafted in Tasmania from a salvaged (dead) Huon Pine offcut
Specifically, the West Coast area (wild, untamed country!) If you have ever been there you will know what I mean ... I remember the hotel floor being covered in sawdust, apparently it was easier to clean up the floor after a fight! The Wild West!
Colour: Reddish~Brown, although sometimes it looks a little Orange too - depends upon the light. This is relatively unusual colouring because your "standard Huon" has a distinctive Golden Yellow colouring, the wood in these cases is usually the sapwood, which is much lighter in colour.
Finish: NOT coated with any varnish or sealant. Huon Pine has a high percentage of it's own natural oils and there is no need to seal the wood. In fact if sealed, you will have difficulty smelling the distinctive scent of the Huon Pine. The surface is very smooth and finely worked on the lathe.
My dear friend took care to ensure that the grains are clearly visible, so fine and especially around the sides the age rings can be clearly seen.
DIMENSIONS: 4" diameter x 1.5" high with a 2" bowl "mouth"
WEIGHT: 90g
This is not one of your "gift shop~souvenir market" products made for the tourists and my dear friend has simply etched HUON PINE into the base ... there are no other markings.
COSMETIC CONDITION:
The timber is in very good condition, without stains or externally introduced markings
Absolutely no cracks or splits (Huon Pine should never show this in any case, the natural oils take care of the wood)
The scent is great!
HOWEVER ... we moved houses about 20 years ago and this bowl did get a couple of very small "dings" in the top area - these are very small but I just want to show that the bowl is not perfect (see one of the photographs)! For me, and hopefully others, it is all about what this bowl represents and not so much about "the look"
TAKING CARE OF YOUR HUON PINE
NEVER EVER use a household cleaner of any type on your Huon Pine! The wood contains a high percentage of natural oils that will nourish the wood itself.
Just give it the occasional buff with a SOFT cloth, dry NOT wet - while a little water probably wouldn't hurt it, why bother with the water? After a quick buff up the bowl looks just superb and the wood, when buffed, has a natural light "satin" lustre.
Sad to see this one go but I am a realist and it's long term future does not lie with me ... I have now placed it within a sealed clear plastic packet so that it is protected from dirt & dust while it awaits a new owner (and this will only enhance the natural Huon Pine odours!)
