The vicissitudes of rosewood and rosewood furniture

From glory to destruction

Rosewood and rosewood furniture have a long history in Chinese craftsmanship, dating back over two centuries. However, during their time, they were considered rare and exclusive, only owned by the most affluent families. Here’s a small story that reflects this era:

While visiting Jixian County, I came across a four-headed official hat chair made of eucalyptus lacquer, covered in yellow satin. According to local legend, when Lafayette visited the county, the magistrate was terrified. He feared angering Longyan, so he called upon wealthy locals to discuss the matter. A rich man took responsibility, ensuring the situation didn’t escalate. In return, Lafayette gifted him a yellow horse as a sign of appreciation. At that time, Lafayette sat on this very chair. Though it may not have been the original one, it was recorded in the county's archives as an eucalyptus chair. Back then, Jixian was known for its wealthy individuals, and the richest man even held a high position. But if he could own a Huanghuali chair, he wouldn’t allow Cixi to sit there! This shows that wealth doesn’t always equate to status—rich people might own thousands of acres and luxurious carriages, but owning a single piece of walnut furniture could make them feel inferior. Even though times had changed, some still enjoyed sitting on a yellow pear chair or resting on a red sandalwood arhat bed, savoring life with a gourd in hand.

Since the liberation, rosewood and rosewood furniture faced a tragic fate. The unprecedented destruction turned rare treasures into piles of wood. It wasn't just about moving; it was about losing everything in the name of revolution.

From inheritance to innovation

In the early 1980s, as reforms opened up, both domestic and international collectors began searching for surviving pieces of hardwood furniture. Artisans with traditional skills were sought after to restore these treasures. Many in the furniture industry started repairing and reassembling antique-style furniture. At that time, people were more interested in three-door wardrobes and folding round tables. As more people became interested in creating antique-style furniture, real antiques started disappearing from the market.

Mercantile instincts are sharp. To meet growing demand, many fake antique pieces made from new materials and aged to look old appeared. These items were traded secretly, without formal markets. At the time, quality wood from the south or abroad was abundant and affordable, allowing for replication of traditional styles. Craftsmen, having worked on previous restorations, refined their techniques in carving, structure, and design. While sales were limited, each step was carefully executed to ensure accuracy and perfection. The idea of selling old goods was still prevalent, driven by nostalgia. Many who had lost their collections before saw this as a marketing strategy of the time. Looking back, those pieces had not only good materials but also a sense of history that made them unique—something that can never be replicated today.

As the new century began, nostalgia grew stronger, and more people developed an interest in Ming and Qing dynasty furniture. Classical home designs became popular, and consumer awareness matured. People gradually accepted new materials, leading to a boom in the antique furniture market. With rising demand, many low-quality products flooded the market, using methods like nails, dyed wood, and glue. No wonder many online users now search for ways to fix furniture cracks.

The surge in demand was a blessing for timber merchants. They scoured the globe, bringing in rare woods previously unknown. This led to confusion among collectors, who struggled to distinguish real from fake. Even experienced craftsmen and experts found themselves questioning their knowledge, needing to relearn. Many online users post questions about suspected red sandalwood or Huanghuali pieces, showing how complex the market has become.

As the furniture world evolves, the balance between tradition and modernity remains a challenge. Yet, the passion for authentic craftsmanship continues to inspire and drive the industry forward.