Watercolour River Matai Inlaid board
$600.00 NZD
In stock — the only one ever made
Handcrafted from a single piece of water-colored River Mataī, this one-of-a-kind board features a precise 285-piece geometric inlay.
Each element was shaped by hand from five ancient, river-recovered native timbers: River Kahikatea, River Mataī, River Rimu, River Northern Rātā, and River Puriri.
The pattern itself was meticulously cut and pieced together by hand at 6mm thick.
It was then inlaid with nothing but my grandfather’s hammer and a collection of ludicrously sharp chisels.
This River Mataī display board is a study in harmony and contrast—designed to function both as a sculptural art object and a display platform for glass, stone, or botanical works. It invites reflection and connection with the raw beauty of the land it came from.
Like all my display boards, this piece can be customized as a full station.
A slide holder and/or routed reliefs for your collection can be added by request at additional cost.
Sanded and finished to 5000 grit using Rubio Monocoat "Pure" for a durable finish that doesn’t affect the natural colour of the timber.
Rubio Monocoat is a top-quality, VOC-free hardwax 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
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