Shan Mu wood is relegated to a small rural village in China. A byproduct of root carving, a technique known for millennia, it is a prized traditional practice in Asian culture. Shan Mu wood begins rather humbly, as a root dug up from the ground of felled trees. These roots are found all over the countryside, and as long as the maker has the technique and the permission of the landowner, they can dig up these tree roots and create bowls, plates and other objects from the root system. The process is fairly simple but time consuming. They undergo heavy pressure washing to remove dirt and reveal the roots themselves. The lower portion of the root system has the most texture, grain formation and character. Typically, the higher portion of the root system is used for plates and platters while the lower section owing to its size is often used in creating baskets and bowls. The soil type and local growing conditions determine the color of each item, making each creation unique. The actual carving process often begins with a chainsaw. More delicate tools are used later in the process, but nothing works quite as effectively as a chain saw for large thick cuts. The pieces are then dried out in steam dry chambers, for often up to 36 hours. Next the pieces are given a series of rough and soft sanding sessions to smooth and bore out the interior of the bowl itself. Eventually it will be sanded down to 220 grit finish before being given a coat of shellac to seal it. Shellac is food safe and non-toxic. After the shellac dries, the bowls are sanded multiple times and given coats of shellac to reveal the brilliant coloration and protect the bowls. Among the wood carvings, Shan mu carvings are unique in that they retain the essence and shape of the Shan Mu tree that once lived. Shan Mu pays homage and honors the Shan Mu tree itself. A Shan Mu basket or bowl is the afterlife of the tree; long after it has become flooring in someone’s home or office, it continues to live on in the bowl.