Kia Ora, Welcome, to the Jade and Bone web site, the access point for two of New Zealands leading traditional carvers whose work is now treasured by Maori and other collectors worldwide and is also sought by museums in several countries.

Their basic carving philosophy comes from the tradition of the creation cosmology where the universe began to take shape when the two opposite but complementary life forces of Ira came together. Creating a balance of Ira Tangata, the Physical and Ira Atua, the Spiritual, underlies their designs which become more than art as they also tell their own stories.

Here you can gain an insight into Maori carving and Maori music then order works from them or arrange a commissioned piece. Items displayed in the catalogue sections are updated monthly with handy links for you to contact the carver and discuss your interest.

Clem Mellish is part Maori of Nga Puhi descent who carves mostly in Pounamu or NZ jade and Pakohe a prized local metamorphosed mudstone. His love of the sea and of the forest is apparent in the fluid lines and strong angles which create the form of his works that enhance the inherent beauty that is part of the magic of Pounamu. 

Brian Flintoff has established himself as a carver of bone and also of traditional musical instruments. Recognition within the Maori world is matched by his Artist membership of the N.Z. Academy of Fine Arts. His love of nature and of myth shows in the animal forms which become part of most of his pieces.