OWL

OWL - a work of art in jade, hand carved by Kerry Thompson

OWL is a great example of the two great skills required to produce beautiful jade art - an artistic vision for the stone, and the ability to transfer that vision to a very unforgiving medium. OWL is an exemplary case in point of this done to perfection!

The design was inspired by the Rūrū - a small New Zealand owl.

Highlights of this carving:

• The Design - quintessential Kerry Thompson! The soft profile of a owl head. The carved face really is exquisite, a tranquil vision with an imposing aura.
• The craftsmanship - this is a wonderfully executed carving. It flows with a continual movement from the brow through the tail of the koru. It is life affirming and fresh!
• The polish - Kerry has a wonderful polishing technique that he uses on some carvings to promote and define certain parts of the work. This allows a single piece to reveal multiple design features - in this case an internal koru, a carved face, a bold, bright larger koru design and on the back, double koru.

OWL is provided with an adjustable Pacific Blue/Black cord. If you would like a different coloured, or a fixed length, cord - please let us know in the comments section at checkout.

In Māori culture, the rūrū (morepork owl, Ninox novaeseelandiae) holds significant spiritual and symbolic meaning. It is regarded as a kaitiaki (guardian) or a messenger from the spiritual realm, its calls are believed to convey warnings, guidance, or omens.

The rūrū’s presence at night is seen as a reminder of the thin veil between the physical and spiritual worlds, and its call can evoke both comfort and caution. For many, the rūrū represents wisdom, observation, and the ability to navigate darkness, embodying a connection to ancestral knowledge.

Its quiet, watchful nature aligns with the values of mindfulness and respect for nature that are central to Māori tradition.