Jackalberry platter

By Gys Potgieter

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Designer

Gys Potgieter

Woodcrafter

Gys Potgieter

Tree

African Ebony

Common name

Jackalberry Tree

Jackalberry platter

The cross-grain ring was challenging to turn, as the centre of the tree was on the side of the stump. The complex and mixed grain resulted in at least 30 hours of sanding and shaping to produce this versatile accessory. It will display beautifully on any wooden surface, but will also complement modern glass or granite textures.

DESIGNER

Gys Potgieter is the visionary and owner of Kuni, a master of his craft and doing what he loves – crafting wood by hand. He favours indigenous wooden slabs and his designs flow with the shape, grain and nature of the slab. For Gys, the perfectly crafted furniture piece is as functional as it is beautiful. It is not about the extent or number of items produced, but about the passion and pride of producing a single, unique, handcrafted work of art, a natural object of lasting beauty.

Gys Potgieter

THE JACKALBERRY TREE

DESCRIPTION

Family: Ebenaceae

The jackalberry varies from a shrub to a large tree with a long straight stem.

WHERE ARE THEY FOUND?

The tree is found throughout Africa and most commonly grows in the savannas.

THE WOOD

The wood is hard and heavy with a fine grain, and very suitable for floors, high-quality furniture, cabinets, musical instruments and turnery. The trunks are also used to make canoes.

INTERESTING FACTS

The wood is characterised by knots and ranges in colour from light reddish-brown to very dark brown – which makes it a lovely wood to create intricate carvings.