Red sandalwood is a type of hardwood known for its density, strength, and unique characteristics. Among various hardwoods, it stands out as one of the finest. Its grain is not very prominent, but when rosewood is soaked in white wine, the wood releases a pinkish color and forms a sticky gel that can be stretched into a thread. This is a reliable method to identify genuine rosewood.
Rosewood primarily originates from India, with some production also taking place in regions like Yunnan, Guangdong, and Guangxi. Red sandalwood belongs to the legume family and includes around 15 species, commonly found in tropical areas. It is generally divided into two types: small-leaf red sandalwood and large-leaf red sandalwood. Small-leaf varieties rarely have large solid pieces, as most are hollow once they exceed 20 cm in diameter. Their grain is less visible, and their color tends to be purple or black, sometimes appearing dark and glossy with little texture.
In China, the rosewood often referred to as "African rosewood" is typically the large-leaf variety. Compared to Indian rosewood, which has a reddish hue that deepens over time and shows purple patterns with natural oils, African rosewood is usually darker, lacks luster, and has thick fibers. After drying, it often develops what's called "cow hair lines"—which are actually shrinkage gaps caused by uneven drying.
Many believe that the large-leaf red sandalwood is the "new" sandalwood, while the small-leaf is considered the "old" one. However, due to increased restrictions on imports and rising demand, the price of this wood has been steadily increasing, making it a valuable investment.
Red sandalwood is a long-lived evergreen tree, reaching about five to six feet in height. It has compound leaves, butterfly-shaped flowers, and winged fruits. The wood is extremely strong and sinks in water. During the Ming Dynasty, rosewood was highly prized by the royal family, leading to heavy harvesting and depletion of local resources. By the Qing Dynasty, only small pieces were available, and the government even collected it for official use. As a result, rosewood furniture became rare among common people.
In recent years, Indian rosewood has been cultivated in border areas of Yunnan, but it hasn't become a major material yet. Due to the scarcity, African rosewood has filled the gap. There are over 15 types of rosewood worldwide, found in regions such as Central and South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia. Southeast Asia, especially India, is known for producing the highest quality rosewood. While Indian rosewood grows quickly, it is still considered slow-growing compared to other species. The confusion between fast and slow growth is often misunderstood.
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