Mappa Burl Blue Shot Glass #2

Dyed Blue Mappa Burl Shot Glass

Dimensions: ~2‑1/2 inches tall × 1‑3/4 inches diameter

Hand‑turned from Mappa Burl (Populus nigra), this shot glass showcases the rare burl formations of the European Black Poplar, a cousin to the cottonwoods and aspens. Mappa Burl is prized for its chaotic, mesmerizing grain—swirling lines, clusters of “eyes,” and irregular textures that make each piece a natural work of art. Typically pale tan to creamy beige in its raw state, this specimen has been stabilized and dyed a deep blue, transforming its organic figure into something even more dramatic.

The vessel reveals a visual rhythm of teal swells, dark eddies, and marbled contours, as if motion were captured midstream. The dye interacts with the burl’s natural voids and inclusions, creating surfaces that evoke tide pools, riverbeds, and submerged memory. Compact yet balanced, it carries the same spirit of transformation found in larger pieces—a convergence of patience, chemistry, and the unpredictable beauty of burl wood.

Finished with polymerized walnut oil, beeswax, and carnauba wax, the surface gleams with a soft luster while offering food‑safe protection. Stabilization ensures durability, preventing humidity‑related warping or cracking while preserving the delicate burl figure. More than functional, this shot glass is a vessel with a story—an extraordinary piece that embodies both the wild elegance of Mappa Burl and the craftsmanship of Gentry Crafted.