Recently we received a new batch of Sawo wood from the Tabanan area in Bali. This is a dense and relatively rare type of wood that works especially well for kuripi, tepi, and smoking pipe production.
The wood was obtained from a local landowner whose tree had been growing on the property for many years. After the land was cleared, the material was passed on to us for further processing. We transported the wood to Ubud, cut it into properly sized blocks, and started the drying process.
Sawo is a very dense and demanding wood that requires special attention during every stage of work. The material is sensitive during both drying and carving, making it more difficult to work with than most standard wood types. Before production, the wood goes through a long drying process until it reaches approximately 10-15% moisture content.
Due to its density, Sawo is not always suitable for large objects. However, for medium-sized handcrafted pieces such as classic and carved kuripi, tepi, and smoking pipes, it is considered closer to a premium category wood. After finishing, the material develops a beautiful texture, deep natural color, and a solid weight in the hand.
Sawo is also an excellent choice for smoking pipes. Thanks to its dense structure, the wood burns slowly and handles regular use very well.
Below we prepared several photos of finished pieces made from Sawo wood so you can better see the texture and appearance of this material in completed work.
