Types of Wood in Asian Furniture

The types of wood used in old Chinese furniture is as varied as that used by fine craftsmen in the west. Some are similar and many are different. An initial step taken to enjoy Asian antique furniture is to gain an appreciation for the wood used. One should first think of two general categorical uses: fine furniture used by families of high position, and vernacular furniture for use in everyday homes. The luxurious hardwoods used to make classical items include: Zitan, Huanghuali, Jichimu, and Tieli. These have distinctive grain patterns and display very rich and warm tones. For example, a description of Zitan found in a publication of Chinese Maritime Customs states “the wood is exceedingly hard and has a coarse, dense grain, and a bright surface. It is of a reddish brown to red colour, due to the presence of santalin, a coloring matter…” In fact, it can also be described as purple. Unfortunately there is very little old growth remaining and original items made from them are very special indeed.

The majority of furniture for everyday use is made from softer wood. I say softer because we include oak in this category. These woods include: Camphor (Xiangzhang), Catalpa (Qui), Cypress (Baimu), Northern Elm (Yumu), Southern Elm (Jumu), Fir (Shan), Nanmu (Phoebe), Fruitwood (Pyrus), Pine, Poplar, and Walnut. Walnut was also used for fine furniture in the northern parts of China. These woods have proven to be very durable and long lasting.

Furniture made from the fine hardwoods is almost always natural with no decoration whereas items made from the soft woods can be natural or decorated with lacquer and/or painted scenery.