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A reevaluation of woods used in Chinese historic furniture

This peer-reviewed article discusses popular Chinese historic furniture woods relatively unfamiliar to non-Asian collections. Here woods are described by Chinese names accompanied by Latinate or English names, observing macroscopic and some microscopic features. Woods encountered in Ming and Qing hardwood furniture are discussed: Zi-tan (Sandalwood), Huang-hua-li (Yellow flowering pear), Hong-mu (Mahogany - redwood), Ji-chi mu (Chicken Wing Wood), Tie-li mu (Ironwood), Wu-mu (Northern Elm), and Hua-mu (burl). The article is presented in two parts. Part one introduces the reader to the complexities and challenges of understanding these woods, as well as presenting seven invaluable species used in Chinese fine furniture. This research originated from problems in describing and understanding Chinese hard woods used in furniture both for domestic and export consumptions historically. Many international collections have incorrectly attributed the variety of wood used in Chinese furniture, due to a misunderstanding of the anatomical structure of the woods as well as confusion caused by the wide variety of linguistic nomenclature prevalent in written sources. Identified collaboratively, this research is underpinned by Kaner’s knowledge of historic furniture and wood nomenclature, Jiufang’s knowledge of Chinese historic furniture, Yongji’s knowledge of wood anatomy and Ioras’ knowledge of forestation; all played key roles in the research outcome. The concluding articles (part 1 & 2) cover both hard and soft woods as well as regional types and lesser known species. Observing the furniture holistically breaks away from the standard practice used in the West of classifying furniture woods through fashionable or vernacular typologies. The method of work used here establishes a model and offers further opportunity to address misnamed woods in historic furniture from other regions such as Malaysia, Sri Lanka and African countries, where many species of woods have been used in the manufacture of furniture and objects.