When it comes to buying or collecting rosewood furniture, whether antique or modern, it's nearly impossible to rely on scientific methods like a lumberjack would. You can't simply cut a piece and send it for professional testing. Instead, traditional knowledge and experience are often the only tools available for identification. New Rosewood Furniture 1. True rosewood is distinguished by its rich oil content and striking natural grain and color. It is typically treated with clear, traditional wax that preserves its unique natural beauty. The surface of the furniture often displays a noble purple or deep black tone, with a clean texture and minimal visible pattern. Under magnification, you might spot golden threads or delicate, swirling patterns resembling cow hair. If you look closely, you may even see tiny holes filled with golden particles, creating a starry effect that twinkles under light. 2. Some manufacturers mix rosewood with old redwood from countries like Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, or Thailand. This can be difficult to detect without experience. Old redwood usually has wide, noticeable black stripes and a more chaotic grain, lacking the golden highlights found in real rosewood. 3. If the wood has been coated with wax or lacquer that changes its color, or if it's been artificially aged to hide its true material, it’s likely fake or mixed. Antique Rosewood Furniture After being stored and used for over a century, rosewood furniture typically shows two common conditions: 1. If placed in a location away from direct sunlight, such as near a door or window, the furniture will display its original color and texture, making it easier to identify. 2. However, if the piece is very old or has been exposed to constant sunlight, the surface may turn pale or gray, making visual identification more challenging. Still, the feel of the wood—its smoothness and fibrous structure—cannot be replicated by other types of wood. When cleaned and polished with wax, its elegance and refined appearance become evident. Some people believe that new rosewood fades when soaked in water, while old rosewood doesn’t. Others claim that new rosewood can't be dyed, but old red sandalwood can. In reality, any leguminous wood, including rosewood, will produce fluorescence when exposed to water or alcohol. A small throne made of red sandalwood inlaid with jade is a classic example. Rosewood dissolves easily in alcohol, turning a bright red. When soaked in water, it releases a blueish oily liquid. This phenomenon was commonly seen in imported woods from the Han to Qing dynasties, where the sap was used for dyeing fabrics or furniture. This isn't mysterious—it's just a natural characteristic of the wood, not a reliable indicator of age or authenticity. The heartwood of rosewood is ideal for making furniture, and the tree must grow for at least 500 to 1,000 years before it's suitable. While some may try to classify it as "new" or "old" based on color, this is mostly a commercial tactic. In reality, distinguishing between new and old red sandalwood is not always straightforward. Aluminum Handle,Aluminum Door Handle,Aluminum Exposed Handles,Aluminum Wardrobe Handle Guangdong Jihua Aluminium Co., LTD , https://www.jihua-alu.com
Old and new identification of rosewood furniture
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