Huanghuali Wood Table

Huanghuali wood is a member of the rosewood family known for its rarity and beauty which adorned Chinese Imperial residences. Originally the wood was named huali or hualu, meaning “pear tree flower.” Huang (which translates to “yellowish-brown”) was added to the name in the early 20th century to describe old huali which had mellowed to a yellowish tone due to long exposure to light. The sweet fragrance of huali is a pleasant characteristic of this precious wood.

It is believed that there are less than 10,000 pieces of huanghuali furniture left in the world. Because the wood is nearing extinction and is now a protected species, supply is very limited making antique examples extremely rare and valuable. Huanghuali was the special purview of the Imperial Court and the most elite officials from the Ming Dynasty on.

The finest quality huanghuali has a translucent shimmering surface with abstract figured patterns in the grain that delight the eye: ghost-like figures were highly prized. The color can range from reddish-brown to golden-yellow. Hainan Island was historically known as the main source of huali. However, variations in the color, figures exhibited, and density suggest similar species sourced throughout North Vietnam, Guangxi, Indochina and the other isles of the South China Sea.