I really like this piece. It works better than the first one. I see it fitting well in an Arts & Crafts environment. The piece is large enough to be useful yet the wall thickness makes it light and delicate. It is a little larger than the first piece and this helps the overall "presents" of the piece.

Looking at the container part first, the line that defines the sides of the container is smooth and flowing. The narrowest portion of the container is mid way down from the rim. This provides symmetry. The feet are nicely proportioned and they gently lift the container off of the table creating a nice shadow line. Again, I like how the feet correspond to the carved panels. This container's carving is less busy and it works better. The panels and the texturing done sparingly like this create an understated elegance that is the hallmark of Arts & Crafts pottery.

The lid’s shape is excellent. The pedals match up thematically with the panels on the container.  The fit of the lid allows for this box to be used one handed and is such that you don't have to worry about the fit changing with time. The color is the only area where there could be some work. The idea of adding subtle colors to a piece is an idea worth  investigating. My taste runs more toward the earth tones and on a nice piece of maple burl like this, the less the better. 

Will Simpson

When I first saw the second version, my first impression was that I liked the first version better, but then I read through all the comments again, and I have to say that the new version does fit better with the Arts and Crafts look than the first, which I thought looked more medieval. The new version looks softer, more unified, and because the proportions were changed a bit, lighter and more feminine than the first. It would go very well with any Stickley furnishings. As before, the workmanship is first-rate. Bravo! An excellent piece I wouldn't mind owning. 

Jim - San Jose, CA

When I saw the first piece several months ago I was impressed
with the detail in the piece. With the exception of the finial,
I did not think it could be improved upon. I was wrong.  This
second piece is much more sophisticated and refined.  I think
the improvements are in the following areas:
1. The color is much more attractive. Leaving the panels natural
has added height visually.
2. Simplifying the lid has made the "lines" of the piece flow more
naturally.
3. The finial is definitely more appropriate for the shape.

Tom - Bethlehem, PA. USA

This is a lot easier to look at than the first offering. The colours are better matched and the knob on the lid fits the overall design, I had a problem with the first knob. Also I prefer the more central/symmetrical waist [narrow part of vessel].

Andy  - Georgetown, Ontario, Canada

I think this is piece is incredible, and much improved from the first piece.  I love the color and the fact that the middle panels are lighter.  The petals on the lid tie in nicely too.  The only change I would consider for next time is in the actual shape of the lid, in the side profile photos. I'm not sure what it needs, but it seems to lack the necessary definition.  It would be interesting to rough out various other curves (round dome, re-curve/sigmoidal curve, or even concave) to see what the profiles look like on this vessel.  The finial might do better with a little less contrast.  Overall a VERY impressive piece... thank you for sharing it with us! I would really love to own this piece!

Bill - Banff, Alberta, Canada

I have a hard time judging the presence of a piece from a photo, but both pieces are fantastic.  When I look at the second piece by itself, the shape looks right.  In the photo where it is side-by-side with the first piece, the shape looks too pinched at the waist.  Don't know why that is...

I like the use of color, and prefer the more subtle approach of #2.  I also agree with previous comment that color on the lid somehow make it not fit.  But, this did not occur to me until I read it.  My suggestion is to add this same type of subtle color to the panes in the body of the piece.

Bob - Downingtown, PA

Yes, yes, yes!!!  It is beautiful, Jim.  I would definitely love to own this one.  I love the carved panels with the stippling between.  I would like to know how you did the stippling.  Definitely simpler is better.

The hint of color is much better.  The petals on the lid overhanging the body more gives it better proportion also.  The new finial seems to pull it all together along with the taller lid.

It certainly is more Arts and Crafts and much more elegant, rather than the Gothic nature of the first one.  I think it is just awesome, Jim.  I hope I win the drawing.

This is such a fantastic experience for a novice like myself.  Thanks again for all the effort.

Danny - Natchitoches, LA

Jim Christiansen has once again produced a very beautiful box that, in my opinion, will be recognized by anyone in the turning world as skillful done and artfully designed.  I critiqued Jim's previous box (my first ever critique) and that process taught me a great deal about thinking and looking critically at wood turning art.  I am a much better turner for that experience.  I am so very grateful that Jim has been so bold as to offer his fellow wood turners the opportunity to learn by critiquing his very hard, and obviously very talented, work. The comments provided by the past critiques certainly indicate that they are given with admiration and respect for Jim in the impossible quest of attaining perfection.  Thanks Jim.

My overall impression of Jim's new work is that it has a very oriental look that appears both lantern-like and (at the same time) very fluid.  The existence of those three qualities in one piece keeps the viewer interested in exploring the details that give off these three different simultaneous signals.  I particularly like the top.  The top's carving, color, grain and shape enhance each other beautifully and give the fluid feel to the piece.  The lattice or panel-like work on the sides is also quite striking and (along with the top) give the piece its oriental lantern-like appearance.  I very much like the hammered look contrasting with the smooth verticle panels.  I would like to offer three possible suggestions for enhancing this well done piece.  First, might the smooth verticle side panels tie in better with the rest of the box's design if they were of the same color as the top?  Second, because the smooth verticle side panels are the major design component of the side shouldn't they  be made to stand out more from the background hammered surface by recessing the latter?  Such an orientation would accentuate the lantern look and show off the amazing grain.  Right now the hammered portion seems to draw too much attention away from the smooth panels.  Third, the ebony finial is nice but (like the hammered sides) appears to draws too much attention to itself (and away from the rest of the box) due to its color and shape.  Had I the responsibility to design a finial for this exquisite work I would either (1) have the finial carved out of the same colored wood to resemble a miniature version of the entire box or (2) be very understated (small and round or conical shaped and carved to match the lid). 

Once again, thanks Jim for providing us with an opportunity to learn from you, and each other, in this exercise in critiquing your very fine work.

Craig -  Adrian, Michigan

Have you tried this with a simple lid, smaller dia. no knob??
no lid??  I have trouble seeing the relationship between the lid shape/design and the body.
I think the finial would work better if it were much smaller (1/2 as long).
I like the placement and accent of the curve in the body - have you played with more exaggerated curves?  How did they work?

Niel - Canada

I think this piece incorporates much of the design aspects discussed and corrects some of the less attractive coloring of the first piece.  I do however like the carving better on the first piece. The finial is more in ratio and complements the piece better than the first.
Good work. The subtle improvements make it a times collectible that I would like to own myself.

Horace - Raleigh, NC

Your new design is nice, but I think it is different enough to be considered a new project. I very much liked the colors in #1, and the shape. There is enough "earth tone" in wood already, so the color is it's sparkle.

 Susan  -  Cookeville, Tn. U.S.A.

The second rendition is more in balance with the stated objective.  I still struggle with the lid.  For me it does not balance with the design of the bottom of the piece. Were the project mine I would try less activity on the lid and different shapes other than ogee.

That said the piece is a significant improvement over #1.  Either piece would stand out in a gallery experience and be very well received by the public. Some would love #1 and others #2.

I believe the use of color on #2 is much more appealing, but then I am one that likes simplicity in turnings and natural presentation of the wood  grain, or natures work in spalting, with color only used on the mundane pieces to enhance that which has no attraction without such help, ala Binh Pho or Frank Sudol.

Both are well conceived and executed. The only serious reservation is that #1 was made much to busy with the carvings.

Royce - Wichita, Ks.

I think that the second piece is so successful because of several things:

1. the height/diameter ratio is better.
2. the wood grain in number one seemed to fight the carving for attention.
3. there is a better continuity of color in number two which really brings it together.
4. in my worthless opinion, number two succeeded with the style criteria.

David - Brighton, CO  USA

Absolutely a beautiful piece. I like it much more than the first. My personal preference is to see the natural grains. I like the use of texturing and smooth panels. Also the lid fits with the side panels very well.

Gary -  St. Louis, MO. USA

I find this piece much more appealing to look at. I love how the grain of the wood seems to jump out of it. The colour is also much more appealing to the eye. The shape of the lid compliments the piece better than the first I find. You did a fantastic job and my wife and I would be proud to own it.

Roger -  Blind River, Ontario

This piece (and its precursor) are a perfect example of how a small change in the shape or curve can have a dramatic effect on the overall piece. The narrower waist gives a sense of tension to it and the simpler ebony finial does not distract from this. The same use of the colour and carving give a continuity from one piece to the other.
As a woodturner myself, I realize that quite often you come very close to making a great piece, but that to really get there is not so easy. The experience gained here demonstrates that eloquently.
I don't know much about the arts & crafts style but I think that good design shines through no matter what the style. This piece has that!
Would I like to own it? - you bet!!!

Francis -  Ireland

I like the first one better because of the play amongst the three contrasting colours/textures (the coloured lid; the dark and light at the top of the container). I also like the profile of the first one's lid (although that could be the lighting). I like the carving of the first one's lid, especially the way the pedals are formed by terminating at the small cove that surrounds the finial. I wonder if the flower handle pulls your eye away from the stronger features (noted above) of the piece. I like the handle of the second one better. The abstract carving on the base of the container could have been a little bolder (maybe a lighting thing again) or perhaps reserved for a piece that needed the extra strength. I really like this piece!  

Steve