RootWorks bowls are carved from a species of Chinese Fir called Shan Mu, which grows abundantly in the mountains of Central China. RootWorks raw materials come from stumps left by logging operations, the removal of which allows for faster reforestation. The stumps are removed by hardy teams along the mountain slopes and transported to the remote carving villages. After careful cleaning and grading each gnarled stump is then transformed by skilled carvers into the gorgeous and unique RootWorks bowl. Watching the carvers read each organic chunk of the fragrant fir is a thing of wonder; the rough stump is turned and studied, inner and outer surfaces rough-hewn and balanced, shaved and nibbled with sharp tools, until the final form starts to emerge, each one different from the last. Each piece is then carefully sanded, smoothed, and lacquered, revealing the depth of grain, stunning color, and variety of sculptural shapes that makes RootWorks a winning collection.

The laquer finish which protects and magnifies the natural beauty of Root bowls allows for safe food contact, although we do not recommend RootWorks for hot food service. Due to the natural fissures and knotholes possible in each piece we cannot guarantee our bowls or platters will contain liquid reliably.

Root bowls should occasionally be treated with a light wax or oil product to help protect and brighten their luster. In dry climates some Root bowls may develop cheks or cracks over their lifetime, which is a natural occurrence in products carved from single pieces of raw wood.