Kohlrosing is the Scandinavian tradition of incising thin decorative lines and patterns in carved wood and filling with dark powders (charcoal, coal dust, coffee grounds, graphite, ground bark) or colored wax, etc. for contrast, Kohlrosing dates back to at least Viking times.
Kohlrosing is a Scandinavian technique that gives extra contrast to simple chip carvings, an ancient technique for carving ornamentation in spoons, uses stab cuts that displace rather than remove wood fibers. Incised designs, are filled with pigment to accentuate the design. These carvings are typically found on spoon handles and bowl edges. The use of different powders with different woods can create a wide variety of looks, and even simple designs really benefit from this simple method of creating contrasting colors.
History
Kolrosing is a very old method of giving fine line surface decoration to wood. It started centuries ago with simply using the tip of ones’ belt knife to make fine decorative cuts – and then rubbing coal dust into it to bring out the pattern. The inner bark of various trees is also traditionally used (barkrosing). Kolrosing is an old Scandinavian tradition, dating back to Viking times and was most often used to decorate utilitarian objects, such as spoons, small bowls or boxes, cups, etc. This is why very few of the old pieces have survived.
In Viking times, the designs were more geometric or “Celtic” in origin. In the Telemark area of Norway, we find designs which show the influence of rosemaling which use the flower, leaf, and vine forms. Contemporary kolrosing is not limited to traditional patterns – any design which can be drawn with a pencil can be done with a kolrosing knife, from simple borders to animal forms.
These types of designs are very effective and popular today. Notable contemporary exponents include Judy Ritger (USA), Wille Sundqvist (Sweden) and Jogge Sundqvist (Sweden).
Production process
Wood choice
Look for a smooth surface, without strong or “course” grain, with few imperfections. Basswood and birch are the two most common woods for kolrosing – aspen also works well.
Preparing the wood
Sand the piece very smoothly before you begin. Seal any soft woods, and pieces that will have concave or convex surfaces – such as spoons and bowls. Most any sanding sealer, shellac, etc. may be used as the protector coat before kolrosing. Sand again after sealing with grit sandpaper.
Incising Techniques:
Unlike woodcarving this technique does not remove wood; rather, a tiny groove is made by making a single shallow cut just deep enough to score the wood. This is where the fine coffee powder will fill in. There are 2 methods of “cutting” or incising the wood – pushing or pulling. For simpler, geometric designs: it works to draw or pull the blade toward you, holding the knife like a pencil. For patterns that have tight turns: such as rosemaling, the kolrosing knife is held like a pencil, but with the sharp edge pointing away. Sometimes, the piece itself is being turned as the pattern is being cut. Go very slowly, so as not to slip and create design elements you don’t want.
Coloring and Finishing:
After you have incised the design, you will rub in a darkening compound. Traditionally one uses sawdust from walnut or pine bark. However, fine dry coffee grounds work beautifully – the dry coffee will probably need to be re-ground extra fine. Rub the coffee powder in well and wipe off any excess. Next, you must sand the piece once again to smooth any raised cuts. The final step is to apply some type of oil or beeswax finish to set the coffee and give a nice feel to the piece. Just rub it in with your fingers.
Sharpening:
The knives are made of hard high-speed steel and will hold their sharp edge very well. You will rarely need stropping on a leather or wood strop, using a buffing compound to maintain the sharp edge.