One-of-a-Kind Olivewood Burl Bio-Morph Bonsai Display Stand

One-of-a-Kind Olivewood Burl Bio-Morph Bonsai Display Stand

This one almost stayed in my personal collection. I purchased it to use for photographing trees, but once I had it in front of me, that felt like the wrong job for it. This stand deserves to be underneath a serious bonsai in a show.

The top is a remarkable slab of olivewood burl with swirling grain, natural edges and a long opening that becomes part of the design. Every section of the surface looks different. The quartersawn white oak base has a low, wide stance that feels almost animal-like, which is exactly where the Bio-Morph name comes from.

The stand was made by Daniel Bailey Designs, also known as Heartwood Designs, in West Hartford, Connecticut. Daniel also works from a second studio at the Farmington Valley Arts Center in Avon.

This is the exact stand shown in the current product photographs. Artist-supplied photographs of other Bio-Morph stands and related olivewood pieces are included only to document the larger series. Those additional pieces are not included with this listing.

Part of the Bio-Morph Series

This stand was made in 2025 while Daniel Bailey was working under an artist grant from the State of Connecticut. It is one of three bonsai stands in a series he calls “The Bio-Morphs.” Each stand has its own form inspired by fauna, making every piece in the series completely individual.

The organic olivewood top feels like a landscape on its own, while the flared oak legs give the piece a grounded, stable presence. It is visually interesting without being so formal that it fights with the tree being displayed above it.

Stand Details

• Artist: Daniel Bailey Designs, also known as Heartwood Designs
• Series: The Bio-Morphs
• Year made: 2025
• Top: Olivewood burl with a natural edge and opening
• Base: Quartersawn white oak
• Joinery: Mortise-and-tenon construction
• Finish: Tung-oil-based finish
• Surface: Approximately 18 inches long by 16 inches wide
• Overall height: Approximately 5 inches
• Shipping location: Massachusetts

Built for a Real Bonsai

This is not delicate decorative furniture. The mortise-and-tenon base was built for durability and can support a substantial bonsai. With proper care, it was made to last for generations.

Because the top has a natural outline and an intentional opening, compare the footprint of your bonsai pot with the photographs and measurements. All pot feet should rest securely on solid wood. Felt pads underneath the pot are recommended to protect the finished surface from scratches.

Care

The tung-oil-based finish is water-resistant, but spilled water should still be wiped away promptly. Do not allow water to sit on the surface for an extended period.

Dust can be removed gently with a soft cotton cloth, paper towel or natural-bristle brush. For dirt or grime, use a lightly dampened cloth or paper towel with a single drop of mild dish soap. The surface may also be lightly buffed with a soft cotton cloth.

Do not use steel wool or sandpaper unless you intend to refinish the piece. After years of use, the surface can be touched up with tung oil. Always follow the oil manufacturer’s directions, especially for the safe disposal of oil-soaked rags because they can create a fire hazard.

Shipping

This stand ships from Massachusetts and can be shipped to California. It will be carefully wrapped with additional protection around the natural edge, finished surface, legs and joinery.

Photography

Our current product photographs were taken September 29, 2026. Additional artist-supplied images show related pieces and material from the Bio-Morph project and are included as background on the series.

Please Note

Natural openings, irregular edges, grain changes, small checks and variations in the olivewood are part of the material and the artist’s design. They should not be considered manufacturing defects.

This handcrafted stand is sold as-is. All sales are final. No refunds, returns or exchanges. Once the stand leaves our nursery, its care is your responsibility. Have questions? Just reach out. We’re happy to help.