Rare Ash Burl Double-Bowl
One of only two known
Northeast, ca. 1760-1780 

Turned from one knot of densely figured ash burl, the upper bowl with an interior lip that extends into the lower to allow them to fit together. Both bowls footed. When flipped the cover can be used as a bowl of equal size to the base.

Unquestionably by the same hand as the example in the renowned Katcher collection, which has been described as an ingenious “American Treen Masterpiece”, and at that time thought unique. This bowl is nearly identical in size. The foot of each bowl is essentially the same, as are the proportions, and both bear similar, visible lathe marks from lathe turning. The only significant design difference is the flared rim of the cover bowl.

Although this form is known in silver and pewter, the difficulty of making it in burl in that period, in which both halves were slow-lathe turned and must fit together after making and over time, contributes to its rarity. Excellent condition for 250 years of companionship. They still fit and hold together despite shrinkage gaps and wobble where they join. Hairlines in the base bowl. Soft varnish on the exterior; interiors are dry and unvarnished. About 6 7/8 inches diameter x 5 3/8 tall.

Comparative literature: Expressions of Innocence and Eloquence; Selections from the Jane Katcher Collection, Vol. II, pps. 350-351/427; The Magazine Antiques, January 2007, p.89; Maine Antique Digest, “The American Antiques Show,” April 2007, p. 29-D.

Provenance: Carlton Stickney, St. Lawrence County, NY; Steve Powers, Brooklyn, NY; Don Olson, Rochester, NY.