Kolorosing: Adding Character, Color, and History to carved Spoons

Have you ever seen a hand carved wooden spoon like the one above and noticed the beautiful, intricate designs that seem to be part of the wood itself? That decoration is the result of a technique called kolorosing.

Kolorosing is a traditional method of adorning wood that is a fan favorite among people like me who carve wooden spoons and other treen. It's a technique that not only adds visual appeal, but also connects me to centuries of craftspeople before me -- with just my imagination, a simple knife, and a fair bit of patience!

What Exactly is Kolorosing?

Kolorosing is the art of applying designs and pigment to wood in a way that penetrates the wood's fibers, rather than simply sitting on the surface like paint. Kolorosing involves carving or incising designs into the wood using a knife. These incisions act as a groove for pigments, which add depth and texture to the finished product.

Kolorosing actually shares some interesting similarities with another traditional decorative technique -- scrimshaw. While kolorosing is specific to wood, scrimshaw involves engraving designs into bone or ivory and then rubbing pigments into the engravings to make them visible. Both techniques rely on incising a design and then using color to enhance the etched lines, resulting in intricate and detailed ornamentation

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Overall, kolorosing is more than just a decorative technique. It's a connection to the past, a celebration of craftsmanship, and a beautiful way to enhance the simple elegance of hand carved wooden spoons and other woodenware. So, if you're a spoon carving enthusiast, exploring the art of kolorosing can open up a whole new world of creative possibilities. It's a chance to add your own chapter to the long and colorful story of this fascinating technique!

Below are some additional examples of kolorosing on spoons I've carved, but be sure to check out my shop to see more or to pick one up for yourself!

I find that kolorosing is a particularly beautiful way to decorate wooden spoons. The natural warmth of the wood combined with the unique, hand-carved designs can create stunning results, transforming a purely functional item into a work of art that is an expression of creativity and a personal touch. No two kolorosed spoons are exactly alike!

A glimpse into Kolorosing's history

Like spoon carving and Slöjd overall, kolorosing boasts a rich history, especially in Scandinavian countries. For generations, it was a simple, yet popular way to embellish everyday wooden objects – everything from kitchen tools and household items to small personal treasures.

The term "koloroso" itself is thought to come from the Swedish word "kulör," meaning color. This simple connection to color perfectly captures the essence of the technique. It was a way to bring vibrancy and individuality to the often simple and functional wooden items of the past.

The Kolorosing process: A simplified overview

While the specifics can vary, here’s a general outline of my kolorosing process (Step #8 in my overall spoon carving process):

1. Prepare the Wood: I first smooth the surface of the wood to make it easier to carve the design and ensure even absorption of the pigment.

2. Create a Design: I draw my designs onto the wood using a pencil. Once the design looks good, I carve it into the wood using a special kolorosing knife like the one above. The knife is special because it has a thicker beveled edge that parts the wood fibers leaving a clear incised line.

3. Apply Color: I then apply natural pigments -- carefully rubbing them into to the design, penetrating the fibers where the incisions were made. I often use cinnamon as my natural pigment. Others use ground coffee, charcoal dust, or milk paint.

4. Finish: The spoon is sealed with oil or wax to preserve the design and lock in the pigment.