Sacred Balance - Watercolour River Matai Inlaid Board
$650.00 NZD
In stock — the only one ever made
Crafted from watercolored River Matai, this statement piece is a study in balance, transformation, and timeless geometry.
At its heart lies an intricately handmade 360-piece geometric inlay, made from River Kauri, River Matai, River Rimu, River Totara, and River Puriri, each piece a fragment of New Zealand’s ancient forests, preserved for centuries submerged on our riverbeds.
The number 360 holds significance across multiple disciplines. In numerology, it represents wholeness, cycles, and infinite potential, a number of completion and unity. In geometry and sacred geometry, 360 degrees form the perfect circle—the foundation of all shapes, movement, and cosmic symmetry. This board embodies these principles, uniting precision, natural beauty, and symbolism in a singular, harmonious composition.
Beyond the numbers, the gradients woven through both the board and its pattern add a striking visual and conceptual depth. The pattern shifts from deep darkness at its core to a vibrant orange at the edges, mirroring the natural aging and preservation process of river-recovered timber. Meanwhile, the board itself transitions from fiery orange on one side to a deep black on the other, an evocative representation of time, change, and the duality of light and shadow.
This board is more than a functional piece—it is an artwork infused with meaning. Whether displayed or used, it serves as a meditation on contrast, evolution, and the interconnectedness of all things.
Finished with Rubio Monocoat +2C in Pure, this one-of-one creation is a true testament to the beauty of nature and craftsmanship.
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
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