PROVENANCE

FURNITURE AND DECORATIVE ITEMS

IN BRIEF

This story began over two decades ago when the importer of these products "adopted" several tribes of the; (formerly nomadic now settled); Karen Hill-people from the border region of Thailand & Myanmar A.K.A. (Burma).

The PADAUNGI (or PAH-DAWNG) tribes of the Karen hill people; pronounced KAH-RIN or KAH-REE-UNG; have long been reknown for their carpentry skills. Today they source all their materials; not from the forests as they did in the past; but by recycling timber from old wagons, wagon wheels, old houses, ploughs & farm implements, old machinery, animal water troughs and even old boats, much of which is nearly 150 years old.

Basically anything made of wood is re-used to make these unique products. The timber is traditionally stored in the open until needed. The furniture and handicrafts are almost all made from Teakwood with a little Rosewood and Monkeywood added in some pieces. The beauty of their handicrafts can only be found there, so are very unique. As a result Tribal populations have began to grow again. The importer encourages the villagers to utilise each individuals unique and personal skills.

Recently the importer was granted a dredging and reclaimation permit along one part of the Thai section of the MEKONG RIVER to gather teakwood and rosewood logs and roots; neither of which float due to their massive weight and density. This allows for a unique and unusual form of furniture to be crafted. Some of the rosewood logs dredged are over 2500 years old and have been preserved in the river sediment for up to 3000+ years! The wood is so hard and heavey that it regularly burns out power drills and saw blades!!

But the finished product is absolutely amazing; with a character all of it's own. None of the furniture or craft pieces are perfect, but they are all handmade with love and care. Therefore thay are all "one-off" and have an age old character that is both dear & Unique.