I expect it's not really the way irises work but since it's a clock making 12 sections might have made it more readable. Super sharp looking clock!

Is there a cutaway in that pot that makes it fit the crosspieces? It almost looks like there is?

I'm not OP but it sure looks like red oak to me.

Thanks! I feel like I've been overthinking the design, wondering if maybe I need dowels or hidden screws or something. I love the look of this.

Looks awesome, are the biscuits aligned vertically inside the miter or perpendicular to the mitered faces? I am thinking about making something like this and trying to think through the joinery.