Gathering
A Sculptural Cherry Wood Vase Shaped by Fire, Time, and Intuition
Gathering is a one-of-a-kind abstract hand-carved cherry wood vase born from a natural hollow once left by a branch growing from the tree.
Darkened through the traditional yakisugi technique and finished with natural matte wax, the form balances weight and openness, solidity and space.
Rather than presenting a single silhouette, the vase reveals itself gradually. Each angle exposes a different relationship between the gathered volumes and the void they surround.
The result is both a functional vessel and an abstract wooden sculpture shaped by growth, transformation, fire, and time.
Process & Material
I never begin with sketches or predetermined plans.
Every sculpture and vase starts with a piece of wood and a willingness to follow where it leads.
The natural cavity at the center of this cherry wood became the starting point for the entire process. Instead of removing it, I allowed it to guide each decision that followed.
I don’t search for form. I search for the next movement.
As the carving progressed, individual masses began to emerge around this central opening. The shape developed slowly through observation, response, and adjustment rather than through execution of a predefined design.
The recessed areas were hand-carved with a textured surface that separates and connects the three primary volumes at the same time. Smooth curves transition into tactile passages where light catches the marks left by the carving process.
Fire became the final collaborator.
Using the traditional yakisugi technique, I exposed the wood to extreme heat, creating subtle micro-cracks across the surface. Though the vase feels smooth in the hand, these delicate traces remain visible beneath the finish, preserving a memory of transformation within the material itself.
Under changing light, warm cherry wood tones emerge through the darkened surface, revealing details that never appear the same twice.
Presence in Space
Gathering carries a quiet architectural presence.
Its dark surface absorbs light while its curved planes return it softly, creating subtle shifts between shadow and reflection throughout the day.
Placed in a Japandi, wabi-sabi, organic modern, or gallery-inspired interior, the vase introduces a sense of calm structure rather than decoration.
Even when empty, it feels complete.
When paired with flowering branches, dried stems, or seasonal arrangements, the composition expands beyond the vessel itself, allowing the surrounding space to become part of the work.
The form changes continuously as light moves across its surfaces, revealing new relationships between texture, shadow, and volume.
Authenticity
- One-of-a-kind artwork
- Hand-carved from solid cherry wood
- Traditional yakisugi fire-texturing technique
- Finished with natural matte hard wax
- Signed by the artist
- Sustainably sourced wood
- Natural imperfections intentionally preserved
- Photographed in natural light
- No AI-generated product renders
- The exact piece shown in the photographs is the piece you will receive
Technical Details
Title: Gathering
Material: Solid cherry wood
Technique: Hand-carved without templates or sketches
Surface: Yakisugi (traditional fire-texturing technique)
Finish: Natural matte hard wax
Function: Sculptural vase for dried flowers and decorative branches
Height: 19 cm (7.5 in)
Width: 26 cm (10.2 in)
Depth: 15 cm (5.9 in)
Weight: 2 kg (4.4 lbs)
Year: 2026
Signed: Yes
Shipping
Vase “Gathering” is available and ready to ship from Poland, EU.
Free shipping within the European Union.
VAT is included for EU customers.
Shipping is fully tracked and insured, using FedEx, UPS, or DPD, depending on the destination.
The sculpture vase will be carefully packed in reinforced protective packaging for safe international transport.
For international collectors outside the EU and USA, the piece is also available through my Etsy shop.