How to distinguish different redwoods when purchasing mahogany furniture

In addition to the rare materials, mahogany furniture is one of the most appealing aspects for collectors due to its elegant design and superior craftsmanship. According to the current "Redwood" standard (GB/T18107-2000), redwood is categorized into five genera, eight classes, and 33 species. Among them, rosewood, sandalwood, huanghuali, wenge, and others are the most commonly found.

When purchasing mahogany furniture, how can you tell the difference between various types of wood based on their texture?

Yellow Pear Wood has a Clear Grain and Fragrant Scent

Huanghua pear, also known as old pear, refers to Hainan huanghuali in traditional terms. It belongs to the genus Dalbergia, part of the Dipterocarpaceae family. Locally, it's called “fragrant branch.” Its color ranges from light yellow to deep purple-red, with a bright tone, clear grain, and pleasant aroma.

Because of this natural beauty, it is often used in its pure form without carving, emphasizing the wood’s inherent elegance. However, many so-called “Huanghua Pear” items on the market today are actually Vietnamese rosewood, Laohua pear, Burmese rosewood, or Cambodian rosewood. While they may resemble Hainan huanghuali in appearance, their color tends to be less vibrant and rich.

Rosewood Features Twisted Silk Patterns

Traditionally, redwood is divided into old and new types, with the saying “old red is purple, new red is red.” From observation, older redwoods tend to be black rosewood, while the traditionally recognized “old redwood” is cowhair rosewood.

The color of rosewood often shows a rhinoceros-like pattern. After being exposed to air for a long time, it darkens to a deep purple-black. The annual rings in rosewood are usually twisted, resembling crab claws or cow hair. Although some have straight patterns, the fine grain always has a twisted look. Rosewood is dense and heavy, and when crafting furniture, its natural characteristics are used, often with minimal carving to highlight its beauty.

Difference in Value Between New and Old Rosewood

Rosewood comes in a variety of colors and has a clear, beautiful grain. It also has different classifications, such as new and old. New rosewood typically refers to various types of grass rosewood, with a reddish hue.

Rosewood is mainly found in Southeast Asia and regions like Guangdong and Guangxi in China. Many types of grass rosewood fall under the redwood genus. However, the Red Bean genus, which includes many southern Chinese varieties, is no longer classified under the “five genera” of redwood. Therefore, when buying rosewood, it's important to check the certification and ensure it’s genuine.

Rosewood Has a Sour Smell

There are several types of rosewood, all belonging to the genus Dalbergia in the legume family. They are generally divided into three categories: black rosewood, red rosewood, and white rosewood. A common feature among them is that during processing, they emit a slight sour scent, hence the name “sour rosewood.”

Notably, black rosewood is considered the highest quality, with a color ranging from purple to dark purple. It is hard, smooth when polished, and some pieces closely resemble the finest rosewood. Red rosewood has a more pronounced grain, with straight textures and a jujube-red color. White rosewood, on the other hand, is lighter in color, closer to grass rosewood in appearance.

Chicken Wing Wood Has a Pattern Like Chicken Wings

Wenge wood, also known as chicken wing wood, belongs to the genus Arachis and Trichoderma. It is widely distributed and can be roughly divided into three types: African yamu wood, white flower yamu wood, and iron wood. Its name comes from the unique grain pattern that resembles chicken wings.

Once known as “Hainan Wenmu,” chicken wing wood has varying colors, from white and black to yellow and purple. When cut diagonally, the grain reveals delicate cloud-like patterns. In addition to its fine texture, it features purple and brown crab claw patterns. When viewed closely, the longitudinal section displays intricate wood grain, naturally forming various characters and landscape patterns.

By Zhang Wei, Southern Daily Reporter

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