Handcrafted from a single piece of wood in Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Free shipping in the USA, Canada and the UK

Black Walnut 12" — Nested Contours Edition

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Item 11124 — Artist: Ben Balzer

Overview

This Black Walnut bowl draws the eye into a series of nested contours — a tightly gathered oval of grain at one end of the interior opening toward a broader, softer field at the other. Dark lines trace those shapes through warm brown wood, creating an uneven rhythm that feels organic rather than symmetrical. Outside, sweeping arches spread across the low sidewall, giving the piece a second composition beneath the rim. Its beauty lies in those changing relationships: close-set lines and open spaces, dark outlines and quiet warmth. A sculptural work that invites you to linger over the details.

Why This Piece Is Exceptional

  • Nested oval grain — closely spaced contours gather around a distinct focal point within the interior
  • Asymmetric composition — a compact grain pattern at one end balances a broader field at the other
  • Dark natural outlines — curving lines lend definition to the wood's warm brown tones
  • Sweeping exterior arches — broad bands span the sidewall, offering a different pattern from the interior
  • Low, gently flared form — a wide opening reveals the grain while the restrained profile keeps attention on the wood
  • One-of-a-kind artwork — this arrangement of contours, tones, and form belongs to this bowl alone

Dimensions & Details

  • Diameter: 11.9″ (30.3 cm)
  • Height: 2.8″ (7.2 cm)
  • Depth: 1.8″ (4.4 cm)
  • Weight: 2.0 lbs (904 g)
  • Item: 11124
  • Artist: Ben Balzer
  • Completion Date: 2026

 

Collector Notes

The nested contours and understated profile make this bowl ideal for:

  • a gallery display where the interior can be viewed from above
  • a console or coffee table with room around the artwork
  • a sideboard arrangement against a simple, contrasting backdrop
  • a considered gift for someone drawn to intricate natural patterns
  • an interior that pairs sculptural wood with ceramics or stone

Position the bowl so the tightly nested oval is visible, then explore how the composition changes when the piece is turned. A lower viewing angle brings the exterior arches into focus, while a view from above reveals the contrast between concentrated grain and more open areas. A one-of-a-kind fine art piece, celebrating the natural beauty of Black Walnut through sculptural form.

Customer Impressions

For a collector who enjoys finding order within natural variation, this bowl offers a quietly absorbing experience: contours within contours, an off-center focal point, and a warm, restrained form that gives each line room to be appreciated.


Based on 5 reviews
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D
Flame Maple (MA) 7"
Dan Radley
Beautiful craftsmanship

The bowl is beautiful. I ended up purchasing several other unique bowls for work colleagues and they just loved them. The compliments were overwhelming. A true work of art.

A
Flame Maple Bowl (HF) 11"
ALEXANDER JULIAN

It’s absolutely beautiful! Expert craftsmanship, my wife loved it, we share salads from it several times a week!

H
Black Walnut 7"
Harry DeLoach
Black Walnut Bowl

Looks great on our entry table. Beautiful piece of work.

O
Flame Maple (MA) 9"
Olivia D.
Stunning centerpiece!

This bowl is exquisite and is a perfect centerpiece on the table as you enter my front door. The craftsmanship is remarkable and highlights the beauty of the grain. Love it!

S
Black Walnut 11"
Steve Love

Bought it as a Christmas gift for my wife. She adores it and is placed where everyone can see it. It has done everything from a decorative piece to candy bowl. Looks great and it's functional. Couldn't be happier with it.