Trio of Traditional Taonga

This set of three taonga was carved as a special commission for a customer who had sourced his own jade from overseas and arranged for it to be sent directly to me. While this jade is not Pounamu, it was still treated with the same respect and intention I give to all taonga I create. His vision was clear: to create a set of unique taonga, including Toki for himself and as gifts, all inspired by traditional tools and weapons of the past.

The first of the Toki has a strong, grounded presence. The second Toki stands out with a pointed top and carved round notches that echo the architectural silhouette of an Asian-style roofline. It’s a subtle nod to the traditional craftsmanship and symbolism found in structures built to endure.

As I worked the stone, it became clear that the slice of jade had several internal fractures. Rather than seeing this as a limitation, we used it as a guide. The remaining shape lent itself more naturally to a Kōuma rather than another Toki. The final piece, then, became a protective breastplate design—something that suited the stone and added strength to the set.

Each taonga in this trio tells part of the story, shaped not only by intent but also by the stone itself. It was a privilege to work with this jade and to bring this vision to life.