Ivory & Koa
Ivory & Koa is a rectangular masterpiece that combines the natural allure of exotic koa wood with the luminous elegance of pearly white resin. The koa wood, prized for its rich golden-brown tones and intricate grain patterns, features natural variations that make every board a unique creation. This luxurious wood, often associated with Hawaii’s heritage and craftsmanship, brings a warm, rustic character to the design.
Flowing alongside the wood is a bold inlay of pearly white resin, its bright, luminous finish reminiscent of polished ivory. The resin appears to dance through the natural lines of the koa, creating a striking contrast while maintaining a sense of harmony. This juxtaposition of rugged wood and smooth resin captures a balance between raw nature and refined artistry.
The board is hand-finished to a silky-smooth texture, with softened edges for comfort and practicality. Its generous size provides ample space for arranging artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, fruits, and other delicacies, making it not only functional but a visual centerpiece. Treated with food-safe oils, the board is protected against everyday wear, ensuring it remains a cherished piece for years to come.
Ivory & Koa is a rectangular masterpiece that combines the natural allure of exotic koa wood with the luminous elegance of pearly white resin. The koa wood, prized for its rich golden-brown tones and intricate grain patterns, features natural variations that make every board a unique creation. This luxurious wood, often associated with Hawaii’s heritage and craftsmanship, brings a warm, rustic character to the design.
Flowing alongside the wood is a bold inlay of pearly white resin, its bright, luminous finish reminiscent of polished ivory. The resin appears to dance through the natural lines of the koa, creating a striking contrast while maintaining a sense of harmony. This juxtaposition of rugged wood and smooth resin captures a balance between raw nature and refined artistry.
The board is hand-finished to a silky-smooth texture, with softened edges for comfort and practicality. Its generous size provides ample space for arranging artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, fruits, and other delicacies, making it not only functional but a visual centerpiece. Treated with food-safe oils, the board is protected against everyday wear, ensuring it remains a cherished piece for years to come.
Ivory & Koa is a rectangular masterpiece that combines the natural allure of exotic koa wood with the luminous elegance of pearly white resin. The koa wood, prized for its rich golden-brown tones and intricate grain patterns, features natural variations that make every board a unique creation. This luxurious wood, often associated with Hawaii’s heritage and craftsmanship, brings a warm, rustic character to the design.
Flowing alongside the wood is a bold inlay of pearly white resin, its bright, luminous finish reminiscent of polished ivory. The resin appears to dance through the natural lines of the koa, creating a striking contrast while maintaining a sense of harmony. This juxtaposition of rugged wood and smooth resin captures a balance between raw nature and refined artistry.
The board is hand-finished to a silky-smooth texture, with softened edges for comfort and practicality. Its generous size provides ample space for arranging artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, fruits, and other delicacies, making it not only functional but a visual centerpiece. Treated with food-safe oils, the board is protected against everyday wear, ensuring it remains a cherished piece for years to come.
Koa Wood is a prized hardwood native to Hawaii, celebrated for its stunning appearance, remarkable versatility, and cultural significance. The wood’s natural beauty lies in its warm, golden to reddish-brown tones, often accompanied by a shimmering chatoyancy—a lustrous, almost three-dimensional effect in the grain. Highly figured koa, with its curly or quilted patterns, is particularly sought after for its visual depth and uniqueness.
Why is Koa So Expensive?
Limited Availability:
Koa trees (Acacia koa) are native to Hawaii and grow only in the islands’ unique volcanic soil and climate. This restricted geographical range makes koa inherently rare. Additionally, only dead or fallen trees are legally harvested, further limiting supply.High Demand:
Koa is cherished for its unparalleled beauty and is used in high-end furniture, musical instruments like guitars and ukuleles, and fine art pieces. Its cultural and historical significance in Hawaiian traditions adds to its desirability.Slow Growth and Sustainability:
Koa trees take decades to mature, and reforestation efforts are carefully managed to ensure sustainability. This slow growth rate means that the supply cannot quickly meet the increasing demand.Craftsmanship Value:
The labor-intensive process of working with koa, especially highly figured pieces, adds to its cost. Skilled artisans value koa for its workability and the way it polishes to a glass-like finish, but the scarcity of highly figured wood increases its worth.
Unique Qualities
Koa’s strength and workability make it an exceptional choice for crafting heirloom-quality pieces. Each piece of koa wood tells a story, with its dynamic grain and rich hues embodying the spirit of the Hawaiian islands. Its rarity and unmatched beauty ensure that koa remains one of the most revered and expensive woods in the world.
Size & Dimensions
This serving board is approximately 16in x 12in x .75in
Handmade Disclaimer
Each piece from Olive & Oak is meticulously handcrafted with care and attention to detail, reflecting the natural beauty and individuality of the wood. Minor imperfections, such as variations in wood grain, knots, and resin patterns, are inherent to the crafting process and enhance the unique character of every item. These details are a testament to the authenticity and handmade nature of our work, not flaws. Unlike mass-produced items, our creations are truly one-of-a-kind items, each with its own story and charm, ensuring your purchase is as distinctive as the materials it’s made from.