Quilted Maple is a very rare growth form of the big leaf Oregon maple (Acer macrophyllum). The tree grows on the west coast of the USA from British Columbia to Southern California. The particularly decorative grain pattern called Quilted Maple is extraordinarily rare, only occurs very sporadically at the stem of only a few amongst hundreds of trees and is one of the most expensive wood specialities of all. Quilted Maple achieves a strong three dimensional effect through its shell-like character, which is accentuated after polishing and has an extremely decorative effect. The cushion-like, highly three dimensional effect occurs when the wood fibres grow irregularly and wavily in both the longitudinal and transverse directions, forming an interlocking pattern that simulates an uneven surface on the wood. It is a phenomenon related to pommelé and birds eye figure. This special whim of nature is very rare and therefore extremely sought after and very expensive. The use is limited to the highest quality interior fittings and noble musical instruments, especially guitars.
