The use of rosewood began with crafting small items. Over time, its appealing color and excellent physical properties caught the attention of both the imperial court and common people, elevating its status. By the late Ming Dynasty, the literati appreciated the elegance of rosewood, often using it for stationery like paperweights, pen holders, stoves, vases, and boxes. In the early years of the Qing Dynasty, rosewood found its way into furniture, typically crafted into tables, chairs, shelves, cabinets, and chests.
Rosewood is famously rare, with the saying "Ten Tan Nine Hollow" highlighting that the largest logs rarely exceed 20 centimeters in diameter. Among hardwoods, rosewood stands out as one of the finest, being dense and heavy enough to sink in water. Its fine texture and inconspicuous grain patterns make it abundant in tropical and subtropical virgin forests. A distinctive feature of rosewood is its rhinoceros-like hue, with its growth rings forming a mostly skein-like pattern. While straight lines exist, the overall texture tends to be sinewy and delicate, exuding a serene grandeur.
There are two main types of rosewood: large-leaf and small-leaf. Small-leaf rosewood is considered superior, featuring subtle grain patterns, an initial orange-red hue that deepens to a dark purple over time, and nearly invisible growth rings. It often displays a "cow hair" pattern. Large-leaf rosewood, also known as hongmu, has a coarser texture and broader grain, with a purplish-brown hue. After polishing, visible vascular lines and fine pores become apparent.
Identifying genuine rosewood is straightforward. Gently wiping the surface with an alcohol-soaked cotton ball will transfer a purple residue if it's real rosewood. When rosewood sawdust is soaked in alcohol, it releases a blood-red filament. Old rosewood doesn’t fade easily, while newer pieces do. Buyers should proceed with caution.
Rosewood is predominantly used for creating high-end furniture and intricate artistic carvings. Typically, the diameter of rosewood logs is around 15 centimeters. The trunks are relatively straight with many hollow sections, earning it the reputation of "Ten Tan Nine Hollow." The sapwood is yellowish-brown, transitioning to an orange-red heartwood with black streaks and a fine wavy grain. The wood contains orange-yellow pigments, has a specific gravity of 1:1 or higher, and features an S-shaped fiber structure, resembling cow hair, thus earning the nickname "bovine hair rosewood."
In recent years, the demand for rosewood has skyrocketed due to its rarity and beauty. Artisans continue to innovate, blending traditional techniques with modern aesthetics to craft timeless pieces. Whether for interior design or collectibles, rosewood remains a symbol of luxury and craftsmanship.
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