segmented vases and humidity

generally the "inside" the house humidity is close enough it should not be an issue

It really depends on how the vase was constructed and finished.

If all of the grain runs the same direction, such as parallel to the table, it should do just fine even through some significant humidity changes. On the other hand, if it is a "staved" vase (the grain runs vertically like a barrel) and there are horizontal grain sections that connect at the top and bottom, or there is other construction that has cross-grain glue joints, there may be a long term issue if it undergoes significant humidity changes.

The "rule of thumb" is that as long as the grain all runs the same direction, the effect of wood expansion and contraction is reduced, compared to construction where there are glue joints that mix vertical and horizontal grain orientation (like end grain butted against side grain). The longer the joint of mixed grain, the more stress placed on the glue joint and the higher likelihood there will eventually be a glue joint failure. Many (most) woods expand and contract across the direction of grain, meaning that for a piece of wood that has grain parallel to it's length, the length will change much less than the width and thickness as the humidity changes. Some woods expand and contract at significantly higher rates than others... If the vase is all horizontal grain (the grain runs parallel to the table), it could actually get a bit taller in high humidity compared to low, because of this expansion and contraction.

Generally speaking, so long as the vessel is fully finished inside and out, and any cross-grain glue joints don't exceed about an inch, it should survive with normal humidity changes in the typical home.

Most turners, by the time they are attempting anything like the Ray Allen designs are cognizant of the above and it should take very little to care for it, aside from an occasional dusting or polishing with a soft cloth and perhaps a freshening of the wax now and then... Of course, you should keep it in a place without direct sunlight (if it is sitting in a window, the temperature variations can be quite severe and radically change the typical exchange of moisture) and in an area that isn't blasted by outside air every time the door opens (the outdoor air is typically higher humidity than the inside, heated or cooled air).

By the way, does the relative actively sell their work or is it primarily a hobby?

Thanks

--Rick

Thanks for the replies. The creator of the vase is a hobbyist who does woodworking of all varieties. As far as I know he creates great gifts not products to sell.