Essence 20 (2025) is a one-of-a-kind sculptural work by New Zealand artist John Allen, and one of the most unusual pieces in the Essence series. Handcrafted from peach wood reclaimed from a fallen tree in Porirua, this sculpture is a rare example of a fruit timber finding new life as fine art.
Peach wood is seldom used in sculpture — its fine, close grain and warm, honey-toned colour make it a quietly beautiful material that rewards close attention. The artist has preserved the timber’s organic character through careful finishing with oil and wax, revealing the depth and complexity of the grain while allowing the wood’s natural warmth to come forward.
Essence 20 offers a lasting alternative to the fleeting — an original artwork made from reclaimed New Zealand timber that carries the history of its source material, transformed through skilled craft into a refined sculptural object. Entirely unique, this handcrafted sculpture is a deeply personal and considered gift for someone truly special.
