Sometimes woods are what we call “curly”, meaning the grain is undulating back and forth akin to the folds of an accordion. As the grain moves back and forth, it differentially absorbs or reflects light giving a curly appearance with shimmering stripes. This is most frequently caused by a genetic mutation in the tree that weakens the wood cellular structure and it can no longer support its own weight, thereby crushing and wrinkling the wood fibers. Typically we see the strongest curl in the soft sapwood around the outside of the tree, however, in this particular piece of Sugar Maple, the curl runs straight through the dark heartwood and the light sapwood. Moreover the coloring of the heartwood is stunning with shades of gray and brown, as if nature painted it. The base of this stunning board is a beautiful piece of solid flame white birch with inlaid copper along the sides. The conservation status of this tree is currently “Least Concern” by the IUCN 3.1 index. Finished in food safe shellac. Approximate dimensions are 24” L x 7” W x 2” H.