Recently, one of our most extraordinary timbers, a section of Ancient Kauri, found a new home and a new life in the hands of Mike Holton, the craftsman behind the Woodturning on YouTube channel. Mike turned this rare piece into a stunning bowl, breathing new life into a material that predates human history itself.
You can watch Mike’s full process here: https://youtu.be/kjBqXlo7zW8
Ancient Kauri, often called swamp kauri, is one of the most extraordinary timbers ever discovered. Found only in New Zealand, these trees once stood tall more than 50,000 years ago, long before the pyramids, Stonehenge, or written civilisation.
During the last Ice Age, massive storms and floods brought many of these trees down. They were buried in peat bogs where oxygen levels were so low that decay almost completely stopped. Over thousands of years, this natural preservation process kept the wood intact. When unearthed today, Ancient Kauri isn’t fossilised but still workable, with its natural grain and fragrance perfectly preserved.
The wood’s golden-brown tones and shimmering figure are breathtaking. When polished, it comes to life with a deep glow that seems to move in the light. Every grain pattern is a record of time, a story told by nature long before we arrived.
When this exceptional piece of Kauri arrived at Exotic Hardwoods UK, we knew it was something special. It didn’t take long for it to capture the attention of Mike Holton, a skilled craftsman known for his calm, detailed approach to woodturning on his YouTube channel. His videos have inspired thousands of makers to explore the art of turning, and this project was no exception.
Mike decided to create a bowl that would highlight the natural beauty and unique history of the timber. From start to finish, he approached the process with patience and care.
As the lathe began to turn, the rough surface slowly gave way to a rich pattern of grain that had been hidden underground for millennia. Once finished, the bowl revealed its full beauty — smooth, warm and full of light. The final result was more than a piece of craftsmanship; it was a link to the past, shaped into something timeless.
At Exotic Hardwoods UK, stories like this are what make our work so rewarding. We don’t just sell wood. We connect craftspeople with the materials that inspire them. Every board and blank in our warehouse has been carefully sourced from across the world to ensure quality, sustainability, and authenticity.
Whether it’s a slab of American Black Walnut for a dining table, a block of Padauk for a guitar body, or a piece of Ancient Kauri for an heirloom project, we take pride in helping people find the perfect material for their craft.
Mike’s project with Ancient Kauri is a perfect example of what happens when rare wood meets skilled hands. It shows that every piece of timber has a story to tell. All it needs is someone willing to listen — and to create.
For decades, Exotic Hardwoods UK has been the trusted source for woodturners, furniture makers, instrument builders, and designers who want something special. Our reputation comes from a mix of experience, dedication, and passion for what we do.
Here’s what makes us different:
Ancient Kauri reminds us how incredible nature can be. This wood began its life before cities, before metal tools, before recorded history. It survived untouched underground for 50,000 years. Now, through modern craftsmanship, it’s given a second life as something both useful and beautiful.
That’s what makes working with wood so special. It connects us to nature, to time, and to craft. Watching Mike turn this piece of history into a bowl was a perfect reminder of that connection.
Every piece of timber we sell at Exotic Hardwoods UK has a story. Some began just a few years ago, others began before humankind ever carved the first tools. The Ancient Kauri project is a powerful reminder of what makes wood so inspiring — its ability to endure, to change, and to be reborn through craftsmanship.
We’re proud to have supplied the timber for this remarkable creation and even prouder to see it transformed by the hands of a true craftsman.
If you’re looking for something truly unique, explore our range of exotic hardwoods. Whether you’re a seasoned woodturner, a furniture maker, or someone just starting out, you’ll find a piece that speaks to you.
Exotic Hardwoods UK, where the world’s rarest woods meet your imagination.
