Have you ever heard of Nanwood?

A Brief Look at Woods Used in Antique Chinese Furniture.

China deforested itself centuries ago. Anyone who has been there can tell you that forests are few and far between. The woods used to make furniture in the 18th and 19th centuries were imported from various other South East Asian countries such as Burma and Thailand. Though the woods used to make Chinese furniture are different from woods used in the West, they are grouped into the same two categories; hardwoods and softwoods.

Furniture made from hardwood is typically expensive and valuable. However, pieces constructed from the various softwoods are gaining recognition and increasing in value. The only furniture made of hardwood that I occasionally have are pieces constructed from blackwood, sometimes referred to as Chinese ebony which was never indigenous to China. Its name is deceptive as it is not always black. Furniture made from blackwood is becoming rare and prices are rapidly increasing because the Chinese themselves are beginning to appreciate it.

Early 19th century juwood spindle book cabinet

Most of the furniture I import is made from various softwoods such as Juwood, Nanwood, Elmwood, Camphor and Bamboo. These names may seem strange but before long, if you see enough furniture, they will become familiar. (more…)