The First "Acorn Series" Lidded Box

In late October, I announced the debut of my "Acorn Series" lidded boxes.   As discussed in my previous post, most handmade lathe-turned lidded boxes are turned on a single axis, which means the resulting box is round in at least one dimension.  My "Acorn Series' is unique because they are turned on THREE separate axes. This results in a "rounded square" shape when viewed from above and a subtle curve to the sides - framing a distinctive central oval - when viewed in profile.

In designing the Acorn Series, I strove to create a form that would dominate any space it occupied - a form that is at once solidly massive, yet appears suspended in space.

To achieve these objectives, I chose a piece of air-dried Eastern black walnut (Juglans nigra) that exhibited both a deep color and exceptional figure or "curl."  After turning the  sides on two separate axes,  I turned an outflowing base and subtle foot to establish the illusion of "suspension in space."  The floating illusion was strengthened by hollowing a shallow central cavity such that, when the lid is removed, the bottom of the box appears higher than it is in actuality.

This first edition is hand-finished with my own walnut oil and beeswax polish and buffed by hand to a satin sheen evocative of a fine British double.  Its rugged appearance is further enhanced by surface "checks" and other "honorable scars."  Seven inches square by almost 7-1/2 inches to the top of its African Blackwood finial.

It is available for sale through my Etsy store (please click on the picture or see the "Links" section.)  Other editions are also available.

I am always delighted to discuss any questions you might have about my work.

Enjoy!

- Brad