Ancient Kauri is the world's oldest workable timber.

The prehistoric Kauri forests that grew 50,000 years ago are preserved under the surface of the North Island of New Zealand. These incredible trees grew for nearly 2000 years before they were buried.
Some have a girth of around 40 feet, and a total height of nearly 200 feet. They are among the largest trees in the world.

Buried under a peat swamp by an unexplained act of nature, the trees have survived the centuries in an underground resting place, sealed in a chemically balanced environment that has preserved the timber in perfect condition.

Today these swamplands are farms. The ancient trees slowly float to the surface where they become a serious hazard to livestock. Cattle fall into sinkholes or trip and break their legs on the logs.

Extraction of the logs is time consuming, expensive and technically difficult requiring skilled operators of heavy machinery. Working in wet conditions each log must be carefully dug out and brought to the surface. After extraction the hole is filled and topsoil replaced. Within a year the land is lush and smooth again.

Each log is carefully assessed, then milled to yield the best grain and timber qualities. No two trees are the same and earth is treated as unique project. Drying takes two to four years.

Despite its long burial, with careful selection, cutting and drying, the wood maintains its beautiful qualities and finishes to a rich cognac shade. When polished the wood is a deep color with hues, textures and sheen's that constantly change under differing shades of light. It literally glistens as if lit from beneath the surface.

Dating has proven beyond doubt that these Kauri forests grew during the period 30,000 to more then 50,000 years ago.

It takes time and attention to work Ancient Kauri, every piece has its own personality.
You can bring out its inner glow through careful consideration as you shape and polish it.
You now have a unique opportunity to work with a 50,000 year old product of the Earth, finding that deep connection, creating something that brings out the glory of life, and then being able to appreciate that beauty for years to come.