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“Treasures Found was inspired by the works of Rei Hamon found in a book we discovered in a second hand bookshop many years ago. It has been well thumbed and loved by the Ashley family. Rei’s love of nature and his extraordinary attention to detail is truly captivating”.
— Jackie Ashley
A Māori Artist, environmentalist and activist, Rei Hamon was self-taught. Famed for his pointillist works, he had a deep love of nature and a strong, spiritual connection to the forest and the mighty Kauri tree.
Two works of Rei’s have been incorporated into our seasonal packaging this year, Maia and Still Waters, along with a line from his poem, 'I speak to the trees' (Kōrero au ki ngā rākau). These works have been carefully reproduced and printed on Japanese linen paper, with the exquisite details of Rei’s hand made clear.
"Maia and Still Waters are iconic and encapsulate the reverence our koro had for Aotearoa and our natural heritage. His ability to share this message, through drawing a simple piece of wood and a calm river scene, was his unique gift” — Rei’s Granddaughter, Huia Hamon.