Nessa Nanskelly - "Nested Antiquity"

Dimensions: Nested set of two trays 25cmx24cm & 20cmx19cm
Material: Ash and quarter-sawn oak
Finish: Raw flaxseed oil

This nested set draws inspiration from King Arthur’s Hall, an enigmatic rectangular Neolithic structure on Bodmin Moor, often filled with water that reflects the sky. The trays echo its quiet mystery and ancient form, their carved textures reminiscent of ripples across a still surface or the weathered stones that frame the moors.

The smaller tray is born from the core of the larger, with their shared grain and growth rings flowing seamlessly from one to the other. Even the same knot runs through both trays, a tangible connection to their shared origin—a reminder of the unity and integrity of the tree they were crafted from.

Crafted using a centuries-old technique, the ash sides are shaped to fit the quarter-sawn oak bases, allowing the natural properties of the wood to create a harmonious and enduring bond. Together, these trays carry the timelessness of Cornwall’s landscapes and the stories that have shaped its past.