The Western Australian Blackboy grass tree (Xanthorrhoea) has a woody core. Natural fires cause the grass trees to die, leaving a short black core, hence the name black boy. These are very skillfully crafted into ornamental objects, including this tray. The texture is very different from normal wood; see detail photo. The material is very light; this bowl weighs 383 grams. It was purchased around 2010 in a wood carving store in the mountains south-east of Perth.
Specifications
ConditionExcellentColorsBrownMaterialWoodNumber of items1Height11 cmWidth18 cmDepth18 cm