Pommelle is a cross-grain figure created when interlocked and wavy fibers produce a field of rounded, blister-like markings. Burl figure comes from a separate interwoven mass of wood fibers, so Bubinga can display spectacular pommelle without growing a burl.
Surprising takeaway: The apparent “bumps” are an optical effect produced by changing fiber direction and reflected light—the finished surface can remain perfectly smooth while the figure appears three-dimensional.
