Brief introduction of Hunaghuali

Huanghuli (Dalbergia Odorfera), literally "yellow flowering pear", is one of the most precious woods in the world, and predominantly grows on Hainan Island in China. The wood can be used for spices, and also for treatment of hypertension. According to Bencao Gangmu (Material Medical), making tea with the wood powder can lower blood pressure and lipids; pillows made of Huanghuali can relieve tension and improve blood flow. Meanwhile, this hard wood is ideally suited to be shaped into a top classic furniture.

As early as the Tang Dynasty (618 A.D.-907 A.D.), Huanghuali had become a tribute delivered from Hainan to the emperor. In the dynasties of Qing and Ming (1368 A.D.-1911 A.D.), the beauty of Huanghuali attracted collectors. Right now, Huanghuali furniture of the Ming Dynasty is preferred by western museums and the third most favored collectable following Chinese painting and pottery.

Hainan Huanghuali Furniture

Characteristics of Ming's Huanghuali furniture

The features of Tibetan furniture are mainly represented in its shape, proportion and outline. The modeling and proportions of the furniture are basically the shape of the human body. For instance, the width, depth and height of the chair all have to obey strict rules for proportions, so people relax and feel comfortable. An obvious side-angle is one of the most prominent modeling characteristics Ming furniture, which gives a sense of firmness visually. A simple outline, plain structure and components with definite functions for each all combine into an austere and graceful piece of art.

Huanghuali Tea Table

Huanghuali wood was extremely significant in the development of Ming and Qing furniture, as it was the most preferred material for furniture. If red sandalwood is the aristocracy, Huanghuali furniture is like a gentleman, with good appearance and beautiful inner world.

Luxury is another feature of the Huanghuali furniture. With different colors, from oil yellow to reddish brown, this precious hard wood has a unique texture. The color, no matter heavy or light, has a modest and introverted feeling that almost seduces people.

Huanghuali furniture also has a gentle temperament and extraordinary endurance. It is scarcely chapped. Without strong endurance, we would not be able to see the delicately carved patterns, completely preserved after a 300-plus-year history.

During the late Ming Dynasty, when elaboration was popular, witnessed the start of Huanghuali furniture. Since then, simplicity and modesty have been abandoned. Hunaghuali furniture, because of its distinguished features, it was not until the early Qing Dynasty that Hunaghuali furniture had its heyday.

It is about 1920s and 1930s that the classical furniture made of mild and unexaggerated wood was recognized again, especially after the book Chinese Huali Furniture, by Gustav Ike, came out. Since then, a worldwide collection of Huanghuali furniture has gradually spread out. After several phases, this furniture, used by rich people in the Ming and Qing Dynasties, has become the new favorite of Chinese museums, and also a kind of ancient art for people in our time to study and admire.

Huanghuali Chairs Made in Ming Dynasty

Tips for collecting huanghuali furniture

In fact, it is very difficult for ordinary consumers to distinguish the genuine Huanghuali wood, but the wood has its distinctive visual characteristics: firstly, Hunaghuali wood is a kind of Chinese medicine, which smells like "Jiang Xiang"(Dalbergia). Secondly, with hard texture, the grains of the wood are clear and beautiful, vividly varied. Thirdly, scars of the wood, formed in the process of Huanghuali woods' growth, are much different from those of ordinary trees. These scars are called "grimaces", but not every piece of Hunaghuali wood has such "grimaces" Finally, from the experiences of an old artist: Huanghuali wood shines like fireflies, and the water with its powder has a color of green.