River Totara 555 Geometric Inlaid Board
$650.00 NZD
In stock — the only one ever made
Crafted from ancient River Totara, this board is a story told in wood—of time, transformation, and renewal.
The intricate inlay pattern is composed of 555 individually cut pieces of River Kauri, River Matai, River Rimu, River Totara, and River Puriri, each chosen for their distinct character and history.
At the heart of the design is River Rimu, forming the center strip of every inlay piece. Over centuries, as the log lay preserved beneath the riverbed, this timber darkened—from warm orange hues to deep black.
Carefully graded and arranged, these pieces create a gradient across the pattern—dark in the center, fading to light at the edges.
This shift is more than just aesthetic; it mirrors the timber’s journey through time, a transformation shaped by nature itself.
The number 555 is often seen as a symbol of change, growth, and new beginnings—a perfect reflection of this wood’s evolution.
Once a living tree, then lost to the river, and now reborn as something entirely new, this board is a testament to how time shapes us, how we carry our past, and how transformation leads to beauty.
Finished with Rubio Monocoat +2C in Pure, this board is as durable as it is striking. Whether used for serving or displayed as a statement piece, it is a singular creation—one that embodies both the weight of history and the beauty of renewal.
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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