Duality - River Kahikatea Inlaid Board
$600.00 NZD
In stock — the only one ever made
Handcrafted from a bookmatched length of River Kahikatea, this sculptural display piece features naturally stained, river-recovered timber precisely composed as a 255-piece geometric inlay.
Each element of the inlay was cut and assembled by hand from five other native species: River Kauri, River Mataī, River Rimu, River Tōtara, and River Puriri.
Pairing the inlay with Kahikatea — a timber once prized by Māori carvers and early settlers alike — creates a luminous backdrop that naturally mirrors itself across the grain, adding symmetry and depth to the composition.
Each pattern piece was cut and assembled by hand at 6mm thick, then inlaid with patience, my grandfather’s old hammer, and a set of razor-sharp chisels.
This board was designed to function both as an elegant display platform and a standalone sculptural work — a quiet reflection of balance, duality, and connection to the awa and whenua of Aotearoa.
As with all my display boards, customization is available.
A slide holder or routed reliefs for your collection can be added on request for an additional cost.
Sanded and finished to 5000 grit using Rubio Monocoat "Pure", a VOC-free hardwax oil finish that’s food-contact safe and preserves the timber’s natural tone.
Rubio Monocoat is top quality VOC free hard wax oil finish, it is food contact safe, and can be cleaned using isopropyl alcohol or Rubio's own Monocoat soap.
Shipping & delivery
Worldwide shipping from New Zealand is tracked and insured. Shipping costs are calculated at checkout according to destination and parcel size. Dispatch arrangements and delivery times vary by order and destination; please contact me if you have a specific deadline.
Care
Finished with Rubio Monocoat Oil Plus 2C in Pure, a durable, VOC-free hardwax oil that allows the timber's natural grain and colour to remain the focus. Once fully cured, the finish is suitable for food-contact surfaces. For everyday cleaning, use a soft damp cloth or Rubio Monocoat Universal Soap according to the manufacturer's instructions. For resin residue, use isopropyl alcohol on a cloth to gently wipe the affected area. I've tested this extensively on my fully cured finishes without damage. Avoid soaking the timber or putting it in the dishwasher.
Why this timber can't be bought as boards
Under New Zealand's Forests Amendment Act 1993, native timber may only leave the country as a finished product. This timber was lost in a Northland river during the 1800s timber boom and recovered a century later — a finished piece is the only legal form in which it travels.
STILL AVAILABLE
Other pieces looking for a home
$600.00
In stock — 1 of 1