Chelsea Wood

I felt a sense of wonder when I first saw the Kauri wood – a millennia-old wood – which Maurizio Riva introduced me to by incorporating it into the fascinating craftsmanship of Riva1920.
Kauri is, in fact, a type of conifer that only grows in the subtropical climates of New Zealand. About 50,000 years ago, at the end of the last glacial era, a series of cataclysms still unexplained today brought down entire forests, burying them in water and mud.
The particular characteristics of the mud and the complete lack of oxygen allowed this wood to resist the chemical processes of decomposition and reach our days with the same characteristics as freshly cut wood, so much so that it is used for the production of exclusive furniture and objects.
It is easy to understand that being able to “touch” a material with this history can only evoke a great emotion.
At Olivari it seemed natural to “translate” the Chelsea handle into this precious wood, a sculptural model born from Jean Nouvel’s artistic sensitivity, later expanding the range to Ulivo and Noce Canaletto, woods of strictly certified origin.
The limited amount of material needed to produce a grip allowed us to act with a circular economy perspective, working in synergy with Riva1920 to make the best use of the pieces of wood not used for their products. — Antonio Olivari