|
Huanghuali
is not as rare as zitan, but is also a classic
material for traditional Chinese furniture. Furniture made
from huanghuali is also valuable, and the coloration
brighter, making it a particular favorite in the West. Because
there was more huanghuali available, some of the best
furniture from the Qing and Ming periods was made from huanghuali.
Jichimu, another precious hardwood found in Chinese furniture
making, is typically dark brownish purple, with light and
dark grains interleaved. The grain often resembles a feather,
and is often said to be the most unusual and beautiful of
all the tropical hardwoods
Other types of stet hardwood
used in Chinese classical furniture include wumu, tielimu,
heitanmu, yomu and yumu. Wumu
is often used for musical instruments. Tielimu is a
little less costly than others, and typically available in
larger sizes. Typically, the most affordable Chinese classical
hardwood furniture is made of tielimu.
One peculiar kind of wood often
used in Chinese classical furniture is called yingmu,
or burlwood. Burlwood is not the wood of a specific tree but
rather refers to wood cut from a large knot or twisted root.
Yingmu can come from any kind of tree and always has
a circular grain or pattern on its surface. Because of this
unique pattern, it is often used for the top part of a stool
or a center decoration piece. In the Palace Museum of China,
for example, there is a set of four zitan wood armchairs
with curved rests with splats made in three sections, the
middle one having a yingmu panel.
Although these other hardwoods
do not have the elegant appearance and unique reputation of
zitan, they possess the advantage of being practical,
valuable and less expensive than zitan. Arguably huanghuali
is almost as rare and precious as zitan, and jichimu,
though it does not have zitan's pedigree, is considered
one of the most gorgeous grained woods. Tielimu is
sturdy and naturally suited for large pieces.
At Zitantique
we offer pieces made in a variety of precious tropical hardwoods,
but our main focus has been on restoring a lost cultural heritage
by gradually introducing zitan back into the market.
We strive to provide a pleasant buying experience and guarantee
your satisfaction.
|
