The Lattin Family Burl Bowl

Probably Eastern Great Lakes Region, circa 1780–1820
Carved ash burl with worn Prussian blue painted surface.
9 ½ x 24 x 15 ¾ inches

This exceptional oval burl bowl is notable for its grand scale, thinly hewn walls, and rare survival of an early blue-painted surface. The form and workmanship are consistent with bowls attributed to Native makers of the Eastern Woodlands, with its size suggesting use as a communal or feast vessel.

An incised inscription on the underside records its descent through multiple generations of the Lattin family, preserving a continuous line of ownership from the late eighteenth century onward. The bowl’s surface and history together contribute to its strong presence and significance within American folk art.

Provenance:
By descent in the Lattin family, New York State, from the late 18th century to 2016