Ancient Kauri Table No. 194 — Complete Tree Form with Amber

I create only a small number of non-repeatable Ancient Kauri works each year in my atelier in Germany. Since 2011, I have worked extensively with subfossil Swamp Kauri from New Zealand and personally select the roots and raw slabs on site. I am especially drawn to monumental one-piece rootwood structures with organic tree edges, calm material movement, and the depth that only ancient Kauri preserved beneath the swamps of New Zealand can develop. Each work is created with handcrafted precision as a collectible design dining table, sculptural conference table, or functional art object positioned between sculpture, collectible design furniture, and functional art. Rather than imposing a fixed form onto the material, I follow the original growth structure of the Ancient Kauri root itself. This allows the tree form, natural transitions, and sculptural presence of the wood to remain visible. Before delivery, I carefully measure the moisture content again and, if necessary, dry the tabletop in a controlled process down to approximately 8% moisture content. The entire surface is then refinished so the work is delivered in like-new condition. All surfaces from the tables are made moisture-resistant while preserving the natural depth and calmness of the Ancient Kauri. In this way, scientifically dated Kauri wood with documented provenance is transformed into exclusive one-of-a-kind works for gallery interiors, boardrooms, and high-end living spaces. Michael Beaupoil