Yew amphora

[Lionel Mercier]

Hello All,
Yew is certainly one of the oldest wood used by man.
The oldest specimens of spears that have reached us are yew, probably because those in other species have not taken the distance, but perhaps also that our grandparents had understood all the potential of this wood.
Yew also has a nice place for the first arc, and that of Otzi is yew, wood of choice for this purpose.
But the most surprising is to discover that the yew has also served as a container at a time closer to us.
Witness this little amphora, probably from Gallo-Roman era...
Feared not taxines in these times ...
What is also surprising is the perfectly preserved ...there is something bizare ;)
143mm under the board and 75mm shoulders
Have fun,
Lionel.
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[Baxter Smith]

That is beautiful work! Looks like it would have taken some time and some skills I don't have!

[bob svoboda]

That is very special. Would sure like to have an insight into the process and tools used to make it.

[Bernie Weishapl]

Wow that is cool. I to would like to know the process they would have taken to create such a vessel.

[David E Keller]

Such a beautiful piece... You've really got an interesting style that I enjoy.

[Lionel Mercier]

Hello All,
Pictures are better than long explanations.
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Friendly, Lionel.

[Nate Davey]

Very nice, and beautiful job

[Mike Spanbauer]

Lionel, That's a nice looking piece for sure. What really impressed me though is that I originally thought you had turned the entire thing and then carved back to the handles as the grain is exceptionally well matched. When you posted the process pics... well you have one HECK of a great eye for matching grain. That's truly amazing.

Bravo!
mike

[Steve Schlumpf]

Lionel - always a treat to see your work! Great job on the amphora! Excellent form! Thanks for sharing the process photos - makes me appreciate your skills even more!

[James Combs]

Lionel, That's a nice looking piece for sure. What really impressed me though is that I originally thought you had turned the entire thing and then carved back to the handles as the grain is exceptionally well matched. When you posted the process pics... well you have one HECK of a great eye for matching grain. That's truly amazing.

Bravo!
mike

I don't quite understand the "grain match" part. Looks to me like it is turned and carved from one piece. Where then would there be grain match.

Really nice piece Lionel. Wish I was a 10th as talented in the carving arena.

[Bill Bolen]

What a fine piece and avery interesting process. Thanks for the photo explanation...Bill...

[Barbara Dill]

Lionel, I'm so gald you posted the pics of the process of the amphora. Very creative and I will play with those ideas. Thank yew!
Barbara

[Michael James]

Very impressive piece of art there! thanks for posting.
mj

[jeremy levine]

Nice job !!

[Tim Rinehart]

Hello All,
Pictures are better than long explanations.
167191
167192
Friendly, Lionel.
Lionel, (perhaps Barbara also),
Is it correct to say that the offset turning was in order to remove as much material on the areas that didn't have the handle projections?

Barbara...1 post...have you been a 'lurker' ? Really enjoyed your demo you did for the Southern Piedmont Woodturners this past year.
Just don't ask me if I've tried any of the techniques out!:rolleyes:

[Lionel Mercier]

Yes, the offset turning to remove as much material on the areas that didn't have handle projections
- and to give the shape for the internal (between handles) turning achieved with router.
- and the general shape for the two handles (lenticular section of the upper part)
I hope the answer is satisfactory.
Friendly, Lionel.

[Tim Rinehart]

James,
I think you have it right looking at the piece and the process. These handles are integral, and Lionel even shows the router being used to hog out some areas in keeping the carving minimized. Grain match comments assumed the handles were glued/attached on separately, which this clearly isn't from the photos. Some very nice work here, that's for sure!:)


I don't quite understand the "grain match" part. Looks to me like it is turned and carved from one piece. Where then would there be grain match.

Really nice piece Lionel. Wish I was a 10th as talented in the carving arena.

[Don Orr]

Outstanding !