Red sandalwood is one of the most valuable hardwoods, known for its dense texture and rich color. Among various types of hardwood, red sandalwood stands out as the heaviest with a less pronounced grain. When rosewood shavings are placed in white wine, they dissolve into a pink hue and form a sticky gel that can be stretched into a thread—this is a traditional method to identify genuine rosewood. Native to regions like India, Yunnan, Guangdong, and Guangxi, red sandalwood belongs to the legume family and includes around 15 species, thriving mainly in tropical climates.
There are two main types: small-leaf red sandalwood (also called "red sandalwood") and large-leaf red sandalwood (commonly referred to as "rosewood"). Small-leaf varieties rarely produce large, usable pieces, as wood over 20 cm in diameter tends to be hollow. The grain is not distinct, and the color is often purple or black, sometimes appearing dark and glossy with little visible texture. In China, most imported rosewood comes from Africa and is considered large-leaf red sandalwood. This type has a coarser texture and lighter color, with noticeable wood lines after grinding, forming what is known as "brown eyes."
On the market, about 90% of the so-called red sandalwood is actually African rosewood, or large-leaf red sandalwood. True Indian rosewood, also known as "chicken blood rosewood," has a bright red color that deepens with age. It has a more refined pattern and retains natural oils, giving it a lustrous finish. In contrast, African red sandalwood tends to be dark and dull, with thick fibers and a characteristic "cow hair" pattern caused by shrinkage during drying.
The term "red sandalwood" is a general name, similar to how "mahogany" encompasses several species. It includes various types from different countries, such as Indian rosewood, which was historically prized in China, especially during the Ming Dynasty. Figures like Wei Zhongxian were known to use rosewood for their status and influence.
Today, the real Indian rosewood is considered the most precious, with superior quality and value. However, due to strict import regulations and rising prices, the supply has become limited. Most of the rosewood sold in cities like Suzhou and Shanghai is actually African sandalwood, often mislabeled as "blood sandalwood." The quality difference between African sandalwood and true Indian rosewood is significant, with the former being only 1/4 to 1/6 the value of the latter. Instruments made from African sandalwood may resemble new red sandalwood but fall far short of the quality of authentic blood sandalwood.
Red sandalwood is a long-lived tree, typically growing up to five or six feet tall. It has compound leaves, butterfly-shaped flowers, and winged fruits. Its wood is extremely strong and sinks in water. During the Ming Dynasty, rosewood was highly valued by the imperial court, leading to heavy harvesting and depletion of domestic supplies. By the Qing Dynasty, only small pieces were available, and the government even collected it directly. As a result, rare rosewood furniture became more common among the general public.
Currently, Indian rosewood is still scarce, and African alternatives have filled the gap. There are over 15 species of rosewood found globally, including in Central and South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia. While Southeast Asian rosewood is considered the best, Indian rosewood remains the most sought-after. Despite fast-growing red sandalwood trees, the slow growth of high-quality rosewood makes it a rare and valuable resource.
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