A Work of Art From An Old Irish BogPosted on 6 Aug 01:30
Centuries ago, the British Isle was rich in forest land. Then, the climate changed and the ground became saturated with water. This rotted the lower portion of the trees, causing them to fall. They were quickly absorbed into the wet ground, creating an anaerobic condition that preserved the wood. As time passed the chemicals in the soil, particularly tannin caused the wood to turn black. Now, from time to time, some of this "bog oak" is unearthed. The piece from which this pen was made was purchased from an Irish Cabinet Artisan. Given the darkness of this piece of bog it is estimated to be about 6ooo years old. This is indeed a treasured piece of Irish history.