China Red Sandalwood MuseumⅠ

A rare timbre, red sandalwood, also known as zitan (紫檀), used to be regarded as equal to gold and jade in ancient China. The evergreen tree grows so slowly that it takes around 300 years before it reaches full growth. And only 1/10 of its content can be utilized for making furniture. The growth rings of a red sandalwood tree are closely spaced together, and the timber is extremely dense and hard. Unlike common wood materials, the red sandalwood is so heavy that it sinks in water! It is usually purplish-red in color, sometimes with grayish-black hues, but darkens overtime. The wood gives off a subtle fragrance, which, coupled with its color and shade, gives the furniture a note of elegance and prestige.