[Siamese Persimmon Incense Box with Vertical Cutting]
Siamese persimmon (Siamese oak) is a precious wood native to Southeast Asia, and its unique striped pattern, a blend of deep blackish-brown and golden hues, is its greatest appeal. This incense box is crafted using this material lavishly, employing a "vertical grain" cutting technique where the wood grain runs vertically. Vertical grain cutting is particularly difficult among wood cutting methods, as only a limited portion can be obtained from a large piece of wood, making it extremely valuable. Therefore, works finished using this method are rare and possess both the beauty and stability of the wood grain.
The vertical grain pattern creates a three-dimensional, wave-like texture that spreads across the entire surface, giving it an appearance that seems to capture the scenery created by nature itself. The precise lathe turning process gives the hard, dense texture of the Siamese ebony a smooth finish, and when you hold it in your hand, you feel a pleasant, moist texture. It is a masterpiece that not only serves as a vessel for incense but also makes a striking presence as a tabletop craft item. The appearance of the striped pattern differs from piece to piece, and no two are exactly alike.
