A Monumental and Exceptional Rare 17th Century Treen Lignum Vitae Wassail Bowl in Museum condition. Possibly one of the largest and finest of its type recorded. Beautifully Pole Lathe turned from a single lump of dense Lignum with 5 raised turned bands of decoration to the surface. The lathe itself must have been huge and powered by two or more men with their legs whilst another was on the tools. (The last photo is an example of the hand powered lathe needed to turn this piece). Indeed the timber would have been so heavy it is possible to see a couple of imperfections in the turning, now beautifully patinated as with the rest of the surface. The changing surface grain from dark to light around the face of this extraordinary piece is superb, rich, wild and deep in natural pattern and depth of colour. The stem consists of a huge knop and neck, the Pedestal is then interval step turned down to a final thumb mould. The Silver rim (not tested but let’s face it why wouldn’t it be) is original and rebated into the timber surface inside and out at the time of turning (not a later edition) with a fine detail to the edge echoing the rings on the body. The whole piece in exceptional condition with no shrinkage or splits. No damage to the pedestal except tiny chips to the outside edge and an incredible colour and patination. Bought from an East Sussex Estate 12 years ago and in a collection ever since.
Smaller Wassail Bowls are reasonably common and indeed a smaller very plain example with a shaped Silver rim has recently sold for £35,500 at Woolley and Wallis Auction rooms. This magnificent example is a truly exceptional and powerful piece worthy of pride of place in any Private Collection especially in the fine condition this piece is in. One can only imagine it at Christmas time filled with a spice cider or punch drink. More photo’s are available on request.
This incredible piece holds 4.5 Gallons (20+ litres) is 14 1/2 inches tall 13 inch diameter across the top. It is most likely “The” Finest Wassail Bowl available Circa 1680-85
The last photo is an example of the hand powered lathe needed to turn this piece
A Monumental and Exceptional Rare 17th Century Treen Lignum Vitae Wassail Bowl in Museum condition. Possibly one of the largest and finest of its type recorded. Beautifully Pole Lathe turned from a single lump of dense Lignum with 5 raised turned bands of decoration to the surface. The lathe itself must have been huge and powered by two or more men with their legs whilst another was on the tools. (The last photo is an example of the hand powered lathe needed to turn this piece). Indeed the timber would have been so heavy it is possible to see a couple of imperfections in the turning, now beautifully patinated as with the rest of the surface. The changing surface grain from dark to light around the face of this extraordinary piece is superb, rich, wild and deep in natural pattern and depth of colour. The stem consists of a huge knop and neck, the Pedestal is then interval step turned down to a final thumb mould. The Silver rim (not tested but let’s face it why wouldn’t it be) is original and rebated into the timber surface inside and out at the time of turning (not a later edition) with a fine detail to the edge echoing the rings on the body. The whole piece in exceptional condition with no shrinkage or splits. No damage to the pedestal except tiny chips to the outside edge and an incredible colour and patination. Bought from an East Sussex Estate 12 years ago and in a collection ever since.
Smaller Wassail Bowls are reasonably common and indeed a smaller very plain example with a shaped Silver rim has recently sold for £35,500 at Woolley and Wallis Auction rooms. This magnificent example is a truly exceptional and powerful piece worthy of pride of place in any Private Collection especially in the fine condition this piece is in. One can only imagine it at Christmas time filled with a spice cider or punch drink. More photo’s are available on request.
This incredible piece holds 4.5 Gallons (20+ litres) is 14 1/2 inches tall 13 inch diameter across the top. It is most likely “The” Finest Wassail Bowl available Circa 1680-85
The last photo is an example of the hand powered lathe needed to turn this piece
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