This hand-carved burl wood sculpture features a dramatic Tree Ear–style mushroom form, with organic ruffled folds that mimic the wild growth found on old forest trees. Carved from a natural burl root, the piece opens into layered, petal-like waves that resemble a cluster of tree ear fungi, woodland mushrooms, or a forest bloom caught mid-motion.
Made between the 1960s and 1980s, it embodies the retro era’s love of natural forms and sculptural woodwork. Its glossy, warm finish highlights the swirling grain and textured ridges that make burl wood so collectible. Display it upright, on its side, or nestled into a vignette—no matter the angle, it creates a striking organic moment.
Perfect for cottage, cabin, woodland, mushroom-core, and naturalist décor.
A beautiful statement piece for your Owl Wood Cabin / Golden Harvest Collection.
Tree ear fungi (Auricularia species) have long inspired organic art forms because of their flowing, rippled edges and layered, shell-like growth. During the 1960s–1980s, artisans who worked with burl wood often carved pieces that echoed these natural formations—highlighting the similarities between wood grain movement and mushroom ruffle patterns.
Burl wood art from this period embraced wabi-sabi, wild form, and the beauty of natural irregularity. Pieces like this stood at the intersection of folk carving, forest aesthetics, and mid-century organic sculpture.
