Ebony Bowl Set

David rarely worked with ebony macassar—it was dense, temperamental, and unforgiving. But when he received a small batch of the striped, dark wood, he knew it had to become something special. He didn’t sketch or plan much. He simply turned on the lathe, trusting his hands to follow the wood’s lead.

The first bowl emerged slowly, layers of black and warm amber revealing themselves with each pass of the chisel. The second came a day later, slightly smaller, like a quiet echo of the first. He shaped them to be simple, elegant, and solid—no embellishments, just the natural drama of the grain stealing the show.

When finished, the bowls sat side by side on his workbench like siblings—different, but clearly connected. He didn’t name them or number them. Just ran a soft cloth over the curves and whispered, “Done.”

They weren’t just bowls. They were patience, precision, and beauty made visible.

(Made by David Richards for our Employee Build Challenge.)

Finish: Elixar Oil