Head on view of a solid Karelian birch bowl that was handmade in Sweden, circa 1960.
Mid-20th Century

Karelian Birch Bowl

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A solid Karelian birch bowl, handmade in Sweden, circa 1960.

This wood is also known as 'curly birch' but we feel the name Karelian is much more attractive and informative. Karelia, in Finland & Russia, is where the variant is most abundant and thought to have originated.

Rather than a species in its own right, Karelian birch is actually a variant of silver birch with a genetic makeup that creates an unusual grain figure.

Namely, the trees’ annual rings are oriented incorrectly, which gives the wood a fiery, sunburst, appearance.

It is precisely this lively pattern that can be seen radiating out from the centre of this bowl. Close to the middle of the bowl is a black dot which would have been the centre of the tree. The flame-like lines which dance out around the bowl are the tree’s growth rings.

To physically create the bowl a craftsperson has carved a birch log on a lathe. To add further interest and grip three lines have been cut around the lower half of the bowls outside parameter.

Although somewhat temperamental to work with, in Nordic countries, Karelian birch is commonly used for turned objects as this is how the beauty of the grain is best exploited.