This is very similar to the misunderstanding
surrounding leather and its natural imperfections. Wood can carry a
number of imperfections that are often exploited for artistic use. Knots
are one such imperfection.
During
a tree’s development, some of the limbs die, but side branches from
these dead limbs can continue to grow for years. A knot is usually the
result of these side branches growing into the tree’s bark. Because the
rest of the tree continues to grow in one direction, the dead limbs’
side branches continue to grow in a different direction, digging their
way into the rest of the tree. The size and color of the resulting knot
can vary depending on the thickness of the branch and how deeply it
penetrated the tree.
With natural
wood, it’s nearly impossible to avoid these imperfections, which is why
many furniture manufacturers have embraced knots when designing pieces;
the knots add a visual flair while reinforcing the natural origins of
the materials used.