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August 18, 2007
Posted by: Cathy at 11:36 am
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I love the natural accents, accessories and art I’ve seen in many stores and catalogs lately. There’s something about a bit of nature in any interior that brings life to the space. Its the warmth, texture, serenity, uniqueness and beauty thats so compelling. These beautiful large, heavy pieces of functional art got my attention.
These are root containers, carved from the roots of the Chinese Fig trees. After the trees were cut down, the roots had to be dug up to replant more trees (I read the tag). Someone saw the beauty and art in these gnarled roots and carved baskets, bowls, vases and utensils from what might have been thrown away or burned. Every piece is unique, no two the same. Each a sculpture, a work of art.
These pieces don’t need embellishment to elevate their beauty. They are functional as well. You could display some simple natural material in them if you like. Maybe… tall reeds, branches, bamboo, curly willow, or green apples, pears, pomegranates, pine cones, river rock, shells etc. Anything organic and natural would compliment the piece.
I also could see some towels rolled up with handmade soap in them, or a collection of wood utensils standing up (see below). You could line up 5 wood vases on cubed shelves, on the wall, over a sofa… Instant and interesting art. So many applications…
I also saw these beautiful wood utensils. Although they’re meant to be used, they would be wonderful framed, hanging as art in a kitchen or dining area. Mat or mount them, as a set(s) or separately, on grass cloth, rice paper, or raw silk with simple black or bamboo frames. Anything can be art!
I saw all of these pieces at HomeGoods, although similar items can be found in other stores like Pier 1, Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn Etc. Shop around if you want to bring some natural elements into your home. You’ll love the look and feel it brings to your room.
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1. Dear Cathy,
Absolutely Gorgeous! I love it! It is such pure art. It just happen to be useful and one of GOD’s natural gifts!!
by Betty — 8/18/07 at 1:13 pm #
2. Cathy, Once again you have managed to come up with a great find from homegoods..I absolutely love these containers and the coffee table in the first photo looks like the one I got from the Tango collection from Ethan Allen. Thanks for showing all of us these great finds from Homegoods..I will see if my local store has them. Margie
by margie fitchlee — 8/18/07 at 1:18 pm #
3. You’re so right Betty. There’s no improving on natures perfection. Its all around us if we have eyes to see.
Take Care, Cathy
by Cathy — 8/18/07 at 10:48 pm #
4. Hello Margie,
Good to hear from you as always. Yes these pieces are quite beautiful. They have the smoothest satin rubbed finish on them. Its almost like they’ve been worn away through many years of use. A wonderful patina.
Sorry to tell you the table in the picture is just the display case these were sitting on. But I could see how nice they would look on a coffee table, especially a contemporary table. Sharp!
We’ll talk again soon,
Cathy
by Cathy — 8/18/07 at 11:04 pm #
5. Hi Cathy,
My mother-in-law used to have many pieces like these. They were very popular back in the 70’s and 80’s. I am always amazed at how things come back into style. And yes, the addition of any texture adds so much to any room. This also adds some softness as well because of the natural element it provides. You see so many items replicating this made of resin. The true beauty just doesn’t come through unless you buy the real thing. Thanks for sharing, I have been so busy shopping for my daughter’s new decor for her room, that I overlook many of these great items because I am so focused on what I am looking for!
by lynn — 8/21/07 at 7:02 am #
6. I love the vase in the first shot. Simply gorgeous.
I own one of the root baskets. I purchased it in Mackinaw City Michigan, last year. These pieces are beautiful in the photos and doubly so in person!
Pat
by Pat — 8/21/07 at 10:43 am #
7. Hello Lynn,
Good to hear from you again. Yes, I remember my mother also having some natural wood accents, bowls, fruit, “monkey pod”, etc. nothing quite like these, but they had a good feeling and stayed as a happy memory of home as a child.
I agree, there’s many” wood looking ” pieces that are made of resin or plastic. They’re OK, but lack that intrinsic value that only real can provide. Also these pieces are so affordable and accessible that the natural ones would certainly be my choice.
Sounds like you’re busy decorating your daughter’s room. Have fun and talk to us again soon.
by Cathy — 8/21/07 at 5:23 pm #
8. Hi Pat
Yes, that vase in the first shot was so intriguing to me. At first I thought, why would someone spend the time carving a vase with such a big gash in it. Then it occured to me, the artist did not want it to be functional, but beautiful and to tell a story to the viewer… that the beauty of something is not only on the surface but you have to look deep inside to reveal the true and intense beauty within. That vase would’nt have been half as wonderful without that gash in it. So, I guess it spoke to me and thats what art is suppose to do.
I know you’re enjoying your root basket. You have something quite wonderful to look at and use.
Thanks so much for writing.
Cathy
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by Cathy — 8/21/07 at 6:03 pm #
9. I’ll be getting to HomeGoods to buy one of these bowls or vases.
Tony
by Tony — 8/22/07 at 9:16 pm #
10. Hello Tony,
I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. These pieces are even more beautiful in person. Find the one that “speaks” to you.
Cathy
by Cathy — 8/23/07 at 12:02 pm #
11. These wood accents are just beauitful. Nature gives us wonderful things if we just take the time to look.
by Patty — 8/26/07 at 9:01 am #
12. You’re so right Patty! Thanks for appreciating whats free and available to all.
by Cathy — 8/27/07 at 1:09 pm #
13. I just bought al ovely navyblue round indoor outdoor rug 7′ It looks great on my screenedin porch Wish I could find more
by pfbrazil — 9/6/07 at 4:26 pm #
14. Hi pfbrazil,
Good luck finding your rug. I wish I could be of some help…..sorry.
by Cathy — 9/9/07 at 8:18 pm #
15. I almost purchased a wood root vase and actual chair )so cool!)- but was hesitant as I was not sure that they were sustainably harvested. From what you say, however, the root is taken up after the tree has been removed in order for a new tree to be planted. In that case, I will go back to the store and purchase it! Do you have any more info on that?
by Meghan L — 4/13/08 at 7:10 pm #
16. Hello Meghan,
These wood pieces are beautiful. I’m sure you would love your vase and a chair. So unique. I only know about how they were harvested by what I read on the tags. So I assume they’re sustainably harvested. Much better for people to enjoy them, than to burn such beautiful wood.
You can feel good about acquiring such wonderful pieces from the earth. Enjoy them.
by Cathy — 4/14/08 at 5:39 pm #