Looking for info on wooden “Rustic Onion”

Hi Everyone,

My family and I found this in our basement and were wondering if anyone can identify what it is and what its used for. On its bottom is written Rustic Onion in pencil. it has an opening in its top and thats it. Any ideas on what this is?
?

 

A burl-wood-thingie! Candle-holder?
Or maybe something fitted into the hole, like a dish?

EDIT
First I've heard of it! Rustic Onion Tart!
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/member/views/rustic-onion-tart-50098470

 

Maybe a "weed vase?" Nice piece of wood!

I'm going to guess that "Rustic Onion" was the name of the artist's own business or store.

 

Burl wood vase for a dried flower.

Can you read the initials?

 

beat out by baker.

 

It was turned on a lathe and free handed from a stand with hand held lathe tools - very cool - obviously made for one thing, to hold something the maker owned. Maybe a small flag holder - any other guesses what would fit into it? Looks like a small hole (no pun intended!!) It is a great piece! (darn, again, no pun intended)

 

Maybe it held a platter upon which to serve your tart (see above if you missed my EDIT)!

 

Who knows haha!

 

Many burl wood vases have these small openings. I think it is part of the art form.

Some burl wood artists can command a high price.

Baker may be correct in calling it a "weed vase"

 

I meant to say "IF" you missed my EDIT above... woopsie.

I'm throwing in with the weed camp.

 

Just wanted to say your avatar is absolutely adorable - I love little owls unless they keep me awake at night as they live in my bamboo groves!!

 

I may have taken “Weed” to literally lol!

 

I think "Rustic Onion" is the name of the piece from the look of it from the bottom. It looks like it may be made of cypress, not sure. There is a Louisiana wood turning artist makes stuff like this, can't think of his name at the moment but will be on the lookout for his name.

 

It was made for a dried flower or feather arrangement.

 

It looks like burl wood , I think its quite lovely .

 

Not the "weed" I grew in my garden last year - LOL - all that hiding and it turned out to be a male plant!!

 

Johnny, it looks like a burl to me too. Or it could be a portion of a cypress knee.

I'm still trying to think of the artist's last name, think his first name is Charlie.

 

HERE is the name of the man I was thinking of: Cap'n Eddie Castelin.

And here is his website if you want to contact him there is a contact page. Even if he didn't make it (and it is not likely he did) - I believe this man will know what type of burled wood this is and HE may be able to decipher the signature. Best of luck to id this.

http://eddiecastelin.com/about_me