Te Whai Repo, (Sting Ray) glides out of a single piece of Nelson kawakawa pounamu, one of the most prized forms of New Zealand greenstone for its depth.
Marshall Johnston has carved it with remarkable restraint. The body swells into a smooth, dark green dome, while the wing tips lift and curl as if the ray is turning in the current. A long tail sweeps back over its form. Where the stone thins at the edges, light passes through and the kawakawa glows from deep forest green to bright, luminous green, with natural black inclusions that make this piece entirely its own.
This is a contemporary sculpture, not a pendant. It is made to be placed, admired and lived with. It rests on its own hand-turned, swamp kauri timber base, place this on a desk, a shelf, mantel, wherever it will catch the light.
Deane Morton of Moko Pounamu considers Te Whai Repo to be one of Marshall’s finest work to date. Signed by the artist, it is a one of a kind piece, and there will never be another.
Features
Hand-carved from a single piece of Nelson kawakawa pounamu
Contemporary sculptural form with lifted wings, eyes and a sweeping tail
Translucent edges that glow when the light catches them
Signed with the carver’s mark on the underside
Supplied with a timber display base
One of a kind
Te Whai Repo- Sting Ray is respected as a powerful protector of the deep. Its unusual shape and the way it seems to glide out of the blackness gives it a very spiritual power, which it is in some areas believed to allow it to move between the mortal and spiritual realms at will. In certain areas of Aotearoa New Zealand, the Whai is believed to be Kaitiaki – Protector. They are often seen gliding effortlessly through the water at the beach, yet when they are startled or threatened their response can be quick, powerful. It represents freedom, beauty and elegance, and is a strong symbol of protection.
Kawakawa- is the most common variety of Pounamu. It comes in many shades - from strong, rich green to dark green - and often has small dark flecks, which add to its character. Named after the leaf of the Kawakawa. It is the main type used for jewellery purposes.
Hand Carved by Marshall Johnston
Size 105mm long x 70mm wide 15mm thick
This will be the exact piece you will receive in the photos, there may be a slight degree of colour variation based on different computer or device screen resolutions that you are viewing from.
