I am really taken with the intense orange colours of the knots. I just kept thinking the colours of the the wood along with the swirly gain patterns reminded me a little of photos of Jupiter. Yes, I am fully-aware that I am weird. Great job as usual, Mike!
@@MikeHolton Speaking as someone with a black belt in Weird Fu, I can assure you that you are a safe, stable person so don't worry too much and enjoy your vacation time. 🙂
Hi Mike, so glad you decided to remove the KNOBS as you have called them, the new shape does so much more for the vase. The profile is stunning and deciding to turn the vase to almost the centre of the knots really beings out the grain in the wood. Thanks for sharing Mike.
I am astonished at what a cool piece of wood that is. I don’t think you could have found a better shape for it. I am jealous Side note. I’m so proud to own the bowl on the opening of the video. I can say I’m a true Holtonite!
Thanks Dana, the tree is from Chile but a few specimens were brought to the UK about 150 years ago and now they are not uncommon, they grow very slowly so large ones are protected. It's also known as Chilean pine
I like this so much better than the knobs on, and the finish so much better, too. Both are truly lovely pieces, though. Kudos to you for a truly lovely work of art!
When you were starting and undecided on the finished item I was immediately thinking of a lidded biscuit barrel. Reducing the overall height and making a shorter box or a bowl with the bottom of the blank. However you have achieved a beautiful vase shaped work of art that I hadn't seen coming and you have definitely made the right decision. Truly beautiful.
I'm glad you tried the knobs off version, I think it turned out fantastically. I liked the lamp, but this one shows off the grain and color variations so well, it would have been a shame to miss out on. Thanks for your experimentation!
A truly beautiful piece, great finish. You took me back 20 years when i was given a lot of monkey puzzle logs from which I turned many bowls and vases and this video brought back the memory of the joy of uncovering the hidden beauty in this much overlooked wood.
I have a "few" pieces of Monkey Puzzle that I have been waiting to dry to a level they can be worked. Now, I am inspired to try one of them. Not all of them have knobs, but they should provide some very interesting color! When Monkey Puzzle is fresh, there is an incredible amount of sticky gooey pitch. Just bringing it home requires using a tarp, unless you want that stuff in the back of your car forever! Thanks for a great video. A Steady Rest is also on my list of things to get for my lathe.
Good point Brendan. Great to see a comment from you and I miss our companionship at the woodturnng club. You are a number one guy. If you wonder where I've got to I've become a full time demonstrator and am on a world tour. At this time I'm in Peru and feeling a bit homesick. Hope all is well wirh you.
Hi Alan, great to hear from you. All is good here but, sadly, I am not on a world tour but will name-drop you as often as I can to steal some of your glory. Maybe a coffee if you ever come home?
I really like this vase with the limbs turned off. The colors and movement give loads of interest. Great job of explaining what you were thinking and doing.
Another super video, Mike. I must admit I prefer the 'knobs off' (RIP Frankie Howerd!) version, and you tempted me with the possibility of a lidded bowl (with the lid cut just above the branches, it would have been stunning - next time??) but this is a lovely vase, and as I commented previously, it is great to share the design journey with you! Thank you.
This piece is really nice. You did such a good job giving it shape. In my opinion, the monkey puzzle looks better with the knobs off. It gives it so much more interesting character.
Well what beautiful vase with an excellent shape and finish. I am glad I watched this Video because my neighbour has a very tall monkey puzzle tree. So I know how it should look if I ever get a piece, I don't want it cut down but she has commented how big it is getting. Thank you for the video I'm looking forward to the next one.👍
Thanks Roy, the trees can get very large indeed but to take a very long time to get there. It will take a good while to dry out but certainly worth turning if you can get some, all the best, Mike
Beautiful 👏👏👏 Love the colors in the branches. Looks a lot like Araucaria/Brazilian pine, which I’ve turned…as well as Norfolk Island pine, which I haven’t had a chance to turn yet. These species must be relatives of one another, with the way those uniform branches look inside. Just gorgeous colors.
I have stumbled on your channel and the algorithm is filling my feed with your videos. I love your artistic skill, you create such beautiful art when you just go loose, please keep it up!
I like it a lot better with the knobs off. My mind went to a juvenile place when you were trying to work out a shape for the piece. I'm not proud of that but there it is. You're a better man than I.
I love that you did this one both ways, with and without the knobs on. I loved the lamp that you made, and I really like this vase as well. It's very difficult to say which one is better. They are just too different, but both are extremely beautiful. Great job again Mike!
Thanks so much my friend, you are right, it's like saying which child you love more, they are all good in their own way and you should never compare them. 😃
I know I am not the first, and I am sure I won't be the last to say how beautifulthis piece is!! Also with the shape, it is the perfect shape, to show off that unique wood grain. Wel'll done done, Mike. I love it ! ❤ from, Dona
I love this piece, more so that the previous piece. The grain/colour around the branches looks terrific. I wish the colour would not darken, but it will. My heart sank when you have the catch. I wonder how much of the break was the steel being weakened by two screw holes. It may also have been a brittle alloy, or hardened and so brittle. So happy the piece stayed on the lathe. I hope you are enjoying your break. Dave.
Hi Dave, I think I agree, taking the knobs off really lets you enjoy the natural colours of the wood. I would imagine the holes in the blade did not do it any favours, cheap import, you can buy replacements but I do not think I'll bother.
I'm a Glaswegian living in Aberdeenshire 😃 Just discovered your channel, but I've watched some other turners. For me, this piece is outstanding! just love it@@MikeHolton
So much work in the finish, I thought. Then, I saw the depth of subtlety and sheen, not seen in it's counterpart. Well done. From a N. Carolina fellow turner.
It's quite remarkable how two pieces of wood from the SAME TREE can look so different depending on just one decision - nobs on or nobs off! I still can't decide which I prefer, so (if I could afford it) I would commission you to make me one of each!!!
Another beautiful piece, Mike! Thanks for sharing this one with us. I'll have to keep the monkey puzzle in the back of my mind for appropriate projects in the future.
I liked both knobs on light and knobs off vase. They were equally works of art, even down to the totally different finishes. Well done Mike enjoyed watching you have fun.
Thanks Colin, I had a blast making this, it's great to start something not really knowing what you are making, just follow the shape until something immerged 😃
I do like that one Mike. I love the wood i love the shape i love the finish and i do love what you have done with it, another great job. Take care Steve. I did see somebody who hollowed these so that he could cut off a plastic bottle and slip down inside so it could be used as a proper vase which i always thought was a neat idea
@@MikeHolton I realized that my previous comment could have come across incorrectly. To clarify, I was saying the piece you turned out was very nice. I have no idea how a burn would look with monkey puzzle. I have never had the opportunity to work with it. I am partial to burning myself just because I like the way it looks.
I am really taken with the intense orange colours of the knots. I just kept thinking the colours of the the wood along with the swirly gain patterns reminded me a little of photos of Jupiter. Yes, I am fully-aware that I am weird.
Great job as usual, Mike!
Thank you! Cheers Tom, and yes you are right it does look like Jupiter, I guess I may be weird as well 😃
@@MikeHolton Speaking as someone with a black belt in Weird Fu, I can assure you that you are a safe, stable person so don't worry too much and enjoy your vacation time. 🙂
@@tomburns7544 🤣😁 thanks, will do
I absolutely love monkey puzzle and think the form you have chosen really accentuates the beauty in the tree. “Knobs off” every time is the way to go
Thanks Damian, I agree, I do like this one more 😀
Hi Mike, so glad you decided to remove the KNOBS as you have called them, the new shape does so much more for the vase. The profile is stunning and deciding to turn the vase to almost the centre of the knots really beings out the grain in the wood. Thanks for sharing Mike.
You are welcome Jim, I hope you both are well, all the best, Mike
After that goofy looking lamp you sure redeemed yourself. That vase was BEAUTIFUL! Well done, sir. Mark Springfield, MO.
Glad you liked it Mark, all the best and thanks for watching, Mike
I am astonished at what a cool piece of wood that is. I don’t think you could have found a better shape for it. I am jealous Side note. I’m so proud to own the bowl on the opening of the video. I can say I’m a true Holtonite!
Haha, 'Holtonite' that's funny. The bowl you won is still one of my favourites, thanks as always, Mike
This piece is about the best “Make it up as I go along” thus far. Thank you for taking us on an unplanned journey - great fun.
Thanks Neil, I find projects like this way more fun as I can just 'play' with the wood and see what comes out.
Love this piece! A pot with a lid would have been interesting too.
Yeah, haha if the seller has another I'll get it and try that 😃
I love the knots. I think people under-appreciate them. If they are solid, I like to display they in the things I build.
I would love to have more of my work around but I have two many 😃, really must get round to start selling a few. All the best and thanks, Mike 😃
I had never heard of Monkey Puzzle wood before. Your vase is beautiful!
Thank you! I have lots more to have a go at 😊
Absolutely fantastic. That says it all.
Thanks Max 😀
Love the contrast of the colors and intense grain around the knots.
Thanks Carmen 😀
Well I might get myself a piece of monkey puzzle after watching this. Beautiful wood and an inspiring video.
Go for it and let me know how you get on 😃 all the best, Mike
Very nice piece and the finish is wonderful. I don't think I have ever seen monkey puzzle before. Very pretty grain.
Thanks Dana, the tree is from Chile but a few specimens were brought to the UK about 150 years ago and now they are not uncommon, they grow very slowly so large ones are protected. It's also known as Chilean pine
NOT THE KNOBS! Those are my favorite part! Still came out great, good work
Haha thanks 😃
Great job Mike. So pleased you did this one knobs off.
Great shape and finish, I was amazed at the difference the shellac made to the overall finish.
Glad you enjoyed it Greg, I was so pleased with the way this one came out 😃
I like this so much better than the knobs on, and the finish so much better, too. Both are truly lovely pieces, though. Kudos to you for a truly lovely work of art!
Thanks so much Susannah, this was so much fun to make 😀
Knobs off, for sure.
Beautiful. Love how it was a process of discovery.
Those are the best, eh?
Yes they are! I love it when I have no pressure to turn a specific item I can just see what comes out 😀
First thing I thought of when I saw that blank was 'lidded biscuit barrel' 😎
Hi Chris, that was mine as well, may still try and buy another lol 😃
This vas is absolutely AWESOME!!!!! I love the piece with the knobs off.
Glad you like it Dianne, all the best, Mike 😀
Knobs on, knobs off... hmmmm. Watched the previous... this one turned out beautiful. Thanks for the video's
They are very different and probably should not be compared 😃 All the best, Mike
When you were starting and undecided on the finished item I was immediately thinking of a lidded biscuit barrel. Reducing the overall height and making a shorter box or a bowl with the bottom of the blank. However you have achieved a beautiful vase shaped work of art that I hadn't seen coming and you have definitely made the right decision. Truly beautiful.
Thanks Colin, I did think about doing a biscuit barrel before I started 😀
It’s gorgeous! I also think that it looks slightly like translucent marble. But, I love that it is an exotic wood. Thank you. Peace 💫
Thanks so much Sandra 😊
Whoa! There's so many colors in that one hunk of wood. Nice!
I know, it's just a bit amazing! 😃
What a lovely piece love the way the limbs contrast against the rest of the grain nice job Mike Blessings
Thank you so much Wade 😀
I'm glad you tried the knobs off version, I think it turned out fantastically. I liked the lamp, but this one shows off the grain and color variations so well, it would have been a shame to miss out on.
Thanks for your experimentation!
Cheers Susan, I'm glad too, I'm trying to find some more of this so I can make a pot and a bowl 😃
A truly beautiful piece, great finish. You took me back 20 years when i was given a lot of monkey puzzle logs from which I turned many bowls and vases and this video brought back the memory of the joy of uncovering the hidden beauty in this much overlooked wood.
Thanks Philip! It really is an amazing wood, I need to find some more 😃
I have a "few" pieces of Monkey Puzzle that I have been waiting to dry to a level they can be worked. Now, I am inspired to try one of them. Not all of them have knobs, but they should provide some very interesting color! When Monkey Puzzle is fresh, there is an incredible amount of sticky gooey pitch. Just bringing it home requires using a tarp, unless you want that stuff in the back of your car forever! Thanks for a great video. A Steady Rest is also on my list of things to get for my lathe.
Thanks Eileen, I'll be taking delivery of my steady rest when I'm back off my holiday 😃
Thank you Mike, that"s a very interesting piece, the wood colour and the natural silvering is beautiful
Many thanks Fiona, I still have this piece and am keeping it, I love it 😀
Just from the beginning, wouldn’t a saw be more practical? All in all a beautiful work!!
I would have been but sawing it a pain in the ### and turning them off was fun 😃
Oh myyyyyyy....
I had a feeling knobs off would be stunning, but that is exceptional..
Great work puzzling out the form 😂
Thanks Jaxx, it was fun trying to find it 😃
That was brilliant! You could absolutely tell you were having fun.
Thanks Larry, it was hard to stop, it's great to start turning with no idea of what shape you are looking for, just play about till it emerges 😃
That's lovely. I've never seen anyone cut the branch butts in that sharp profile before and it really works. Great job.
Best Wishes, Brendan.
Thanks Brendan, I had no real plan for this but as it evolved it just seemed a natural thing to do 😃
Good point Brendan. Great to see a comment from you and I miss our companionship at the woodturnng club. You are a number one guy. If you wonder where I've got to I've become a full time demonstrator and am on a world tour. At this time I'm in Peru and feeling a bit homesick. Hope all is well wirh you.
Hi Alan, great to hear from you. All is good here but, sadly, I am not on a world tour but will name-drop you as often as I can to steal some of your glory. Maybe a coffee if you ever come home?
I really like this vase with the limbs turned off. The colors and movement give loads of interest. Great job of explaining what you were thinking and doing.
Cheers Doug, I had a lot of fun playing with this one 😄
Truly in awe of your craft… just love seeing the beauty emerge from the gnarly ❤
Again you are so kind, thanks 😀
Taking those knobs off was a good idea. It turned out simply gorgeous.
Thank you Lynda, this was fun 😊
Those knob areas are really outstanding!
Thanks 😃
Really lovely, beautiful work, fabulous colours.
😊
Thanks so much Paul, you must pop over and take a look 😃
I hope so asap.
At the moment, Margaret is a little bit in need.
@@nicholasscott3089 indeed, look after her ☺️
I’m a beginner and that is a beautiful piece!!! Thank you!!!!!!
You are so welcome and thanks 😀
What a fantastic looking piece of wood definitely better with knobs off.
Thanks Paul, I totally agree 😃
Beautiful vase! I love everything you have created!
Thank you so much Paul, you are very kind
A truly beautiful work of art. All from a lump of wood.
Thanks so much Stephen
Jolly good monkey puzzle vase. I thought the cracks around the branches were too deep. Luckily you perceivered and there is a lovely vase. Jc.
Thanks John, for a while I did too but we carried ok lol 😀
I definitely vote for knobs off. Happy turning.
Thanks! I agree 😀
Beautiful piece of wood turning Mike! Had never heard of monkey wood until you made the lamp. Nowthat youve done the vase...., Definitely knobs off!
Thanks 👍 it does look a lot nice 😃
Alladins basket shape came out beautifully.
haha thanks, this shape will forever be known as that 😃
Always a treat to watch skill bring out the beautiful! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you very much, all the best, Mike 😃
I liked knobs ON, but I think I like knobs OFF even more. This shape is magnificent in its simplicity of form. Thank you.
Thanks Dave, I was getting more and more excited as the form started to appear . The hardest part is knowing when to stop. 😃
Definitely prefer the "nobless" monkey business - a very cool and unique look to the piece.
Thanks so much 😊
I like where you're going with this. You have a good eye, Mike.
Thanks Archie, I had so much fun playing with the shape 😃
Beautiful. I'm glad you wen TV with knobs off.
Me too! The wood is pretty amazing under there 😃
The grain pattern where the knobs were looks like it would look really good carved into flowers.
I think you are right, it would look cool! 😀
My favorite is definitely "Knobs Off"! It makes beautiful patterns in the final look.
Mine too, I love the look 😀
Wow! Definitely nobs off! Beautiful piece ❤️ 😍 💖
Thank you Kirsti! 😊
Another super video, Mike. I must admit I prefer the 'knobs off' (RIP Frankie Howerd!) version, and you tempted me with the possibility of a lidded bowl (with the lid cut just above the branches, it would have been stunning - next time??) but this is a lovely vase, and as I commented previously, it is great to share the design journey with you! Thank you.
Thanks David, the search has started for another piece of this to make a pot with lid 😃. Thanks as always my friend 😃
That’s beautiful! Definitely knobs off with a monkey puzzle.
I think so too, it is a very pretty wood.
This piece is really nice. You did such a good job giving it shape. In my opinion, the monkey puzzle looks better with the knobs off. It gives it so much more interesting character.
I totally agree! I have another larger piece coming 😀
Well what beautiful vase with an excellent shape and finish. I am glad I watched this Video because my neighbour has a very tall monkey puzzle tree. So I know how it should look if I ever get a piece, I don't want it cut down but she has commented how big it is getting. Thank you for the video I'm looking forward to the next one.👍
Thanks Roy, the trees can get very large indeed but to take a very long time to get there. It will take a good while to dry out but certainly worth turning if you can get some, all the best, Mike
Never seen monkey puzzle turned before, what a beuteful wood. As usual you turn a puzzle into a prize
Thanks John, I love turning it 😊
An absolutely beautiful piece.
Thank you kindly! 😁
I enjoy your watching you work. I appreciate that share your thoughts as you work.
I appreciate that and thanks so much for watching 😀
That is totally beautiful !!!! Really love that one.
Thanks Nana, me too, it has a great feel to it
another lovely piece. That timber is amazing
Thank you very much Julie, I'm off to look for some more 😃
Wow! What an exceptionally stunning vase this Monkey Puzzle wood is! 😮 I loved the knobs on, one, but the knobs off beats it by a mile. ❤ love it.😊
Thank you very much Shelley, I do like this one 😃
Absolutely stunning vase! You did a amazing job showcasing the magnificent beauty of this monkey puzzle wood!
Thank you so much Mary 😀
Knobs off!!! Gorgeous piece!
Thanks! This was a lot of fun and the grain is just amazing 😃
Stunning stunning stunning.
Thank you so much Vernon 😃
I really love watching you take a piece that looks like nothing and make a beautiful piece out of it. You respect the wood . Thank you..
Thank you so much Janet 😀
I have enjoyed both, knobs on and knobs off. I prefer this one as it shows what's going on in the wood. Lovely.
Many thanks! And I must admit, this is my favourite as well 😀
Absolutely beautiful piece of art work
Thank you so much 😀
Love it, absolutely stunning. Great creativity, thanks for sharing.
Thanks so much Julia 😁
Beautiful 👏👏👏
Love the colors in the branches. Looks a lot like Araucaria/Brazilian pine, which I’ve turned…as well as Norfolk Island pine, which I haven’t had a chance to turn yet. These species must be relatives of one another, with the way those uniform branches look inside. Just gorgeous colors.
Thank you very much and yes they are too similar not to be related 😄
I have stumbled on your channel and the algorithm is filling my feed with your videos. I love your artistic skill, you create such beautiful art when you just go loose, please keep it up!
Wow, thank you Nikkie and welcome 😃
Stunning piece, that is very, very beautiful 😊 love it 😀 amazing work.
Thank you very much! 😄
I like it a lot better with the knobs off. My mind went to a juvenile place when you were trying to work out a shape for the piece. I'm not proud of that but there it is. You're a better man than I.
Hahaha, shame on you 😃
Subtle variations in color, complemented by the gentle curves you gave it, the result is not only unique, but intriguing. Good job.
Hi Sherrill, thanks! and thanks so much for your support 😃
Oh definitely knobs off for me Mike. Another interesting and informative video. Thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it, I loved making this 😁
I love that you did this one both ways, with and without the knobs on. I loved the lamp that you made, and I really like this vase as well. It's very difficult to say which one is better. They are just too different, but both are extremely beautiful. Great job again Mike!
Thanks so much my friend, you are right, it's like saying which child you love more, they are all good in their own way and you should never compare them. 😃
Beautiful piece of wood and like what you did with it. 😊
Thank you very much Ann ☺️
Once again you have done a Wonderful job on that knobby piece of Monkey Puzzle. You are using species of wood that I never have heard of. 👍🏻
Thanks Larry, I have some interesting wood coming up in a couple of weeks, hardest wood I've ever turned! 😃
Lovely piece. We used to have these trees growing in the grounds of my old school in India!
Beautiful looking trees but very slow growing 😃, thanks, Mike
You’re the best wood turner on UA-cam
John
Wow thanks John, I really appreciate you saying that, I'm not sure I agree but I do try my best, kind regards, Mike
I know I am not the first, and I am sure I won't be the last to say how beautifulthis piece is!! Also with the shape, it is the perfect shape, to show off that unique wood grain. Wel'll done done, Mike. I love it ! ❤ from, Dona
Thank you very much Dona, when I found that shape I was over the moon, the hard part was stopping 😂
I love this piece, more so that the previous piece. The grain/colour around the branches looks terrific. I wish the colour would not darken, but it will.
My heart sank when you have the catch. I wonder how much of the break was the steel being weakened by two screw holes. It may also have been a brittle alloy, or hardened and so brittle. So happy the piece stayed on the lathe.
I hope you are enjoying your break.
Dave.
Hi Dave, I think I agree, taking the knobs off really lets you enjoy the natural colours of the wood. I would imagine the holes in the blade did not do it any favours, cheap import, you can buy replacements but I do not think I'll bother.
Wow... absolutely stunning!
Thank you so much 😊
Oh my giddy aunt, that is GORGEOUS!
There's a phrase I've not heard for a while, where are you from? All the best, Mike
I'm a Glaswegian living in Aberdeenshire 😃 Just discovered your channel, but I've watched some other turners. For me, this piece is outstanding! just love it@@MikeHolton
@@Tseringlhatso thanks again, my wife worked in Glasgow for 10 years working at the daily Record. All the best and welcome to the channel. Mike
Thank you so much! Your wife will know Bearsden then 😊@@MikeHolton
@@Tseringlhatso Yes she does, she even corrected my pronunciation of it's name lol
Lovely vase you made there.
Thank you! 😊
Very interesting piece of art! Thank you for sharing
Many thanks Dennis 😃
Absolutely beautiful, I have seen the hole go through the centre and sometimes you have to plug the hole up.
If it was a fruit bowl or something like that then I would have plugged it 😀
Beautiful work. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Dean, and thanks for watching 😌
So much work in the finish, I thought. Then, I saw the depth of subtlety and sheen, not seen in it's counterpart. Well done. From a N. Carolina fellow turner.
Thanks so much Frank, this was just a pleasure to turn 😃
It's quite remarkable how two pieces of wood from the SAME TREE can look so different depending on just one decision - nobs on or nobs off!
I still can't decide which I prefer, so (if I could afford it) I would commission you to make me one of each!!!
Haha thanks Phil, one of these might be going up for auction soon. All the best, Mike
A delight Mike it is always good to follow the timber .A lovely piece.Terry downunder
Cheers Terry, I had fun with this one, playing around till I found something 😃
Another beautiful piece, Mike! Thanks for sharing this one with us. I'll have to keep the monkey puzzle in the back of my mind for appropriate projects in the future.
Thanks Dan, it's nice to turn but it is a softwood so keep tools sharp or you will be sanding for hours 😜
I liked both knobs on light and knobs off vase. They were equally works of art, even down to the totally different finishes. Well done Mike enjoyed watching you have fun.
Thanks Colin, I had a blast making this, it's great to start something not really knowing what you are making, just follow the shape until something immerged 😃
Very cool. Those colors are amazing.
It's a little bit sexy this wood 😃
Amazing results! It exceeded my expectations. Great job 👍
Thank you John it did mine as well 😃
I do like that one Mike. I love the wood i love the shape i love the finish and i do love what you have done with it, another great job. Take care Steve.
I did see somebody who hollowed these so that he could cut off a plastic bottle and slip down inside so it could be used as a proper vase which i always thought was a neat idea
Thanks Steve, you would need something inside as like the other this one had a hole all the way through 😃. All the best my friend, Mike 😃
So wonderful to see bot worked, they turned out beautiful! Love the vase most!
Thanks so much Cynthia 😊
Beautiful piece. I would love to see that wood with a burn on it to bring out the contrasting colors. Very nice.
Never tried burning monkey puzzle, could be interesting, thanks 😀
@@MikeHolton I realized that my previous comment could have come across incorrectly. To clarify, I was saying the piece you turned out was very nice. I have no idea how a burn would look with monkey puzzle. I have never had the opportunity to work with it. I am partial to burning myself just because I like the way it looks.
@@zeusanton4147 that's ok I know what you mean, I burn a lot of ash as the grain always come out amazing 🤩
So glad to see how this wood looks! I saw a huge monkey puzzle tree in Chile and have a small one growing in a pot! Love this beautiful piece!
It's an interesting wood, still classed as a softwood but the eyes have an amazing look to them.