Myrtlewood Bowl Value Guide

Crafted from the Umbellularia californica tree native to the Pacific Northwest, these 1950-1970 Myrtlewood bowls are prized for their incredibly diverse grain patterns. These mid-century pieces represent a specific era of Oregon artisan craftsmanship where small coastal shops turned local evergreen timber into functional decorative art.

What affects the value of Myrtlewood Bowl?

• The complexity and rarity of the grain pattern, with 'fiddleback' or highly figured swirls commanding higher prices.
• Overall condition of the wood, specifically the absence of drying cracks, chips, or significant water staining.
• The size and symmetry of the bowl, with larger hand-turned serving pieces reaching the $40 range.
• Presence of original labels or signatures from known 1950s-1970s Oregon woodcraft studios.

How to Identify Myrtlewood Bowl?

• Look for the distinctive multi-tonal grain patterns ranging from golden yellows to deep browns and silvers unique to Oregon Myrtlewood.
• Check the base for vintage maker's marks or stamps indicating 'Oregon Myrtlewood' or specific coastal artisan shops.
• Examine the finish for the high-gloss or satin polish characteristic of mid-20th-century wood turning techniques.
• Verify the weight, as authentic Myrtlewood is a dense, heavy hardwood compared to common pine or maple imitations.

History of Myrtlewood Bowl

Myrtlewood, or Umbellularia californica, is an evergreen tree native to the coastal forests of southwestern Oregon and northwestern California. Its wood is highly prized for its diverse and often striking grain patterns, making it a favorite material for turned wood products such as bowls. The craft of turning myrtlewood into functional and decorative items has a rich history in Oregon, with many small artisan shops specializing in these unique pieces, particularly from the early to mid-20th century.