Franco Mauri has spent his life dedicated to craftsmanship, running his woodworking business with passion and expertise. A true artisan, he understands the soul of wood like few others, shaping it with precision and care. His deep love for the mountains naturally led him to an unexpected yet perfect partnership with suiseki artist Felice Colombari.

Their paths crossed in 2008 when Felice, in search of fine wood for crafting daiza, stepped into Franco’s workshop. Fascinated by the beauty and history embedded in suiseki stones, Franco asked to join Felice on one of his mountain expeditions. That first trip marked the beginning of a friendship built on shared discovery and artistic collaboration.

Franco’s expertise in wood and Felice’s mastery of suiseki complemented each other perfectly. Over the years, their dedication has resulted in a collection admired worldwide, where stone and daiza merge into a single, inseparable art form. Even today, nearly every day, they meet to work—cleaning stones, shaping bases, and continuing their never-ending search for the perfect suiseki. Their work is a testament to patience, passion, and a deep respect for nature’s artistry.

Country: Italy.