I.Beech wood furnitureIs it okay?
Beechwood furniture is one of the main furniture materials, and it is widely available in the furniture market in the north.
- Yellow elm and purple elm are two distinct varieties. Yellow elm is more common; freshly cut elm wood is pale yellow, which gradually darkens with age. Purple elm is naturally dark purple, with some varieties resembling old red sandalwood. Therefore, elm wood is the most abundant wood used in northern furniture, which can be finished with wax or lacquer. Elm wood can also be used in conjunction with other materials. Elm furniture can be found in major furniture-producing provinces such as Shanxi, Shandong, Hebei, and Henan.
The production of elm wood furniture spans a long period, from the early Ming Dynasty to the late Qing Dynasty, with a clear evolution and distinct regional characteristics. Early elm wood furniture was primarily used for religious purposes, such as altars and tables, with a simple and traditional style, often found in temples and family halls. This is why some examples have been preserved. There is a elm wood carved basin, without any paint or finishing, that has been preserved for a long time, and its surface is smooth and glossy due to prolonged touching and oxidation. It is a century-old artifact, complete and intact, which evokes a sense of awe and wonder. It feels like touching the weathered appearance of time.
"Willow wood is known for its hard texture, straight grain, and rugged, honest, and natural color, which perfectly aligns with the values of past generations. Therefore, willow wood has been highly sought after throughout history, from the highest-ranking officials and scholars to ordinary citizens, as the preferred material for crafting furniture.
Two. What is the grade level of elm wood furniture?
- Elm furniture falls into the mid-to-high price range. Elm is often referred to as "Northern Elm" and "Southern Beech." It has a wide width and excellent, warm texture; with low internal deformation and a variety of rough, intricate carvings. It is considered a strong and durable wood.
Maple wood is a mid-to-high-end furniture, and the market price has been rising in recent years. The main reasons are as follows:
1、 Elm wood is strong and durable, with high mechanical strength and moderate hardness, making it suitable for carving and various relief techniques. It also exhibits high corrosion resistance and durability, making it easier to preserve.
2、The heartwood and edge grain of the elm wood are clearly distinguishable. The edge grain is dark yellow, while the heartwood is dark purple-gray. The wood exhibits a variety of colors and intricate patterns, meticulously crafted by master artisans, resulting in a rustic, elegant, and visually stunning appearance.
3、 The elm wood grain is clear and well-defined, the surface is smooth, and the grain pattern is beautiful, resembling "chicken wing wood." The wood can be shaped, carved, and coated with lacquer to create exquisite carved lacquer products.
From planting to being utilizable, it takes at least a century for elm trees. However, due to the enactment of international environmental policies, the logging of elm trees has been widely prohibited. According to authoritative predictions, within eight years, the raw materials for elm trees will face a situation of complete shortage, which will then usher in the appreciation space for elm furniture.