Common wood species used in classical furniture
1、Golden pear wood
Golden Yangniu wood is a plant of the Fabaceae family, scientifically known as Hinoki Yangniu wood, also known as Hainan Yangniu wood and Hainan Golden Yangniu wood. Its original habitat is the low-altitude plains and hills of Tianluoshan Peak Ridge on Hainan Island, China. Due to its slow growth, solid wood, beautiful grain, and other characteristics, Golden Yangniu wood is considered one of the four famous woods in ancient China, along with rosewood, chicken wing wood, and ironwood.
2、Padauk Wood
Purpleheart, also known as "Blue Dragon Wood," belongs to the butterfly flower family. It is a subtropical evergreen tree with very dense wood and a deep red color. Purpleheart wood is very heavy and sinks in water. Purpleheart is a general term for a particularly hard and heavy species within the genus Purpleheart of the Fabaceae family, and is considered the highest grade of hardwood. It is a hardwood with a deep, dark purple-black color.
3、Chicken Wing Wood
For species belonging to the genus *Dipterocarpus* and *Casuarina*, these trees are found in China's Guangdong, Guangxi, Yunnan, Fujian provinces, as well as Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Africa. The wood of *Dipterocarpus* species can be white with black streaks, or have color variations of yellow and purple. The grain of *Casuarina* species is fine and resembles feathers.
4、Ironwood
Ironwood, also known as iron pear wood or iron chestnut wood, is a perennial tree belonging to the Rutaceae family and the Ironwood genus. It has a platy root system, a straight trunk, a conical crown, thin, grayish-brown bark, and thin, fissured leaves. When injured, it exudes a fragrant white resin.
5、BAMBOO
Yew belongs to the Yew family, also known as "Yew," and includes varieties such as European yew, Chinese yew, and Japanese yew. In traditional Chinese practice, yew trees are often categorized into "Southern Yew" and "Northern Yew," with Southern Yew being preferred for its superior properties. Yew wood is characterized by its fine grain, strong texture, and water resistance, making it a common choice for temples, halls, and courtyards.
6、Old Red Wood
Old rosewood, commonly known as large red sandalwood in southern China, is also called old rosewood in the Yangtze River north. It belongs to the same species as yellow flower pear, which is a species of the rosewood family in the legume family. Its wood and color are similar to small-leaved purple sandalwood, with straight-grained annual rings, larger knots than purple sandalwood, and a color similar to reddish-brown, but with darker, lighter color, less dense texture, and a fragrance.
7、Beech wood
Zelwood, also known as "Zhu Wood" or "Jiu Wood." Native to southern China, and known as "Nan Ya" in the north. This wood is hard and has a beautiful, layered grain pattern resembling mountains. While not considered a high-end wood, it was widely used in traditional Chinese furniture, especially in folk crafts, during the Ming and Qing dynasties.
8、Sapele wood
Teak is native to China and Southeast Asia, and is a highly valued timber species. It is naturally found in areas of China such as Guizhou, Sichuan, Chongqing, and Hubei, and is a major component of evergreen broadleaf forests.
9、 Elm wood
Maple wood, also known as "white elm", is a widely distributed tree species, mainly found in temperate regions. It is a deciduous tree with a tall stature, found throughout northern regions, especially the Yellow River basin. Elm wood is known for its strong and durable properties, with clear and distinct grain, large patterns, slightly coarse structure, and prominent knots. The wood is relatively soft.