Grain, at rest
Air-dried surface: undulating grain with sap-to-heart transition lines, mineral streaks, occasional sound knots. Faint, clean scent of dry grass and raw wood.
Under water
After tung oil: grain deepens into warm amber, live-edge bark inclusion darkens, surface becomes silky under fingertips.
In low light
The oiled finish presents a semi-matte luster that shifts under movement — medullary rays catch low tea-room light.
Scent
Subtle nuttiness from the oil, over a clean, slightly sweet elm-wood fragrance — never resinous.
Underhand
Undercupped fingertips read a warm, smooth plane with a raw edge that invites tracing. No dead-flat monotony.
Finish, over time
With use and re-oiling, elm mellows into a honey-amber patina while holding its structural honesty.