Preliminary identification
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Overview
A beautifully hand-turned wooden bowl crafted from Ambrosia Maple, showcasing the dramatic, painterly streaks characteristic of this unique wood. The underside is hand-signed by the artisan, David Yeatts, dated '17' (2017), and inscribed with the wood species 'Ambrosia Maple'. It features a robust, classic form with a gently curved rim that highlights the natural, organic beauty of the grain.
Story
Deep in the Appalachian forests, a tiny ambrosia beetle bores into a maple tree, carrying a fungus that stains the wood with dramatic, dark brushstrokes. Artisan David Yeatts rescued this scarred timber in 2017, turning a biological battle into a stunning piece of functional art.
Maker / Origin
David Yeatts is a skilled regional woodturner based in Virginia, known for his appreciation of native North American hardwoods. His work focuses on revealing the hidden, organic narratives locked inside salvaged or fallen timber, transforming raw logs into elegant, tactile vessels. By signing and dating each piece, he continues the rich American tradition of studio woodturning.
Condition & Value
The bowl appears to be in excellent original condition with no visible cracks, chips, or significant warping. The natural wood grain features are stable, and the hand-written signature on the underside remains perfectly legible. Excellent preservation of the original matte finish.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.