This bowl was turned from a portion of the landmark Liriodendron Tulipifera tree from Tyler Arboretum that was affectionately known as ‘Slingshot.’ The tree got its name because of its shape before one of its arms was amputated by a lightning strike about 20 years ago. The tree pre-dates the bachelor Painter brothers, Jacob and Minshall, who started cataloguing and planting trees in 1825. In 2019 the decay and crack in its base had progressed to the point where it wasn’t safe and the Tyler Arboretum staff had to cut it down. At 140 feet tall and at least 200+ years old, it wasn’t the tallest or oldest Tulip tree ever (tallest goes to the aptly but somewhat boringly named ‘Tall One’ in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina, and oldest may be the 350 year old Ferry Boat Tulip in NYC), but Slingshot was definitely taller and older than most. Tyler’s staff graciously saved portions of the tree for people like us to play with.

Spillikin is approximately 7.25” in diameter x 4 1/8” deep with all its unique character and hairline cracks we filled with resin. Movement in the wood is considered normal and part of its charm. All our bowls are finished with Betty’s Board Butter (beeswax & food safe mineral oil). Clean with a damp cloth. Dry immediately. Re-oil occasionally.

If you haven’t been to Tyler Arboretum yet, you should. It’s absolutely magical. One of the oldest arboreta in the northeastern U.S., Tyler Arboretum encompasses 650 acres of renowned plant collections, heritage and champion trees, historic buildings and 17 miles of hiking trails through woodlands, wetlands and meadows. Open to the public 362 days a year.