Bàla no.20

Turned from walnut, with warm amber and chestnut tones and a softly mottled grain. Dark, rippling bands trace the top and base of the sphere, while a small natural knot on one side adds to its distinctive character, revealing the history of the salvaged wood.

These sculptural wooden spheres are sourced in Friuli Venezia Giulia, in the far north-east of Italy, close to the Slovenian border. Each one is hand-turned from storm-fallen wood — apple, plum, elm — gathered from the surrounding forests. The maker, who prefers to remain anonymous, works slowly and intuitively, allowing the natural character of each piece of salvaged wood to guide the final form.

Each Bàle comes with an Anèi ring in solid, unlacquered brass, which serves as its base.

Foliage shown for styling purposes only and not included with the piece.