Why Does This Coveted Material Continue to Soar?
In the realm of furniture collecting, one factor takes on heightened importance: material. And when it comes to Chinese furniture—which can be constructed in everything from bamboo to cedar—huanghuali is an exemplary material with a market value that has soared in recent years. Here, we break down some of the most commonly asked questions about the rare and highly coveted material.
What Is Huanghuali?
Meaning “yellow flowering pear” in Chinese, huanghuali wood is also known as “Chinese rosewood” or “fragrant rosewood.” A hardwood known not only for its lustrous, yellowish beauty, but also its hardiness and staying power, huanghuali became a trusted material for cabinet makers and furniture designers in China during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Its unique qualities are still valued and admired today.
Why Is Huanghuali So Coveted?
The fragrant rosewood tree is native to Southern China and Vietnam, but following overharvesting in the 18th and 19th centuries, the species became—and remains—endangered, making contemporary harvesting all but impossible. As a result, Classical Chinese furniture constructed in huanghuali has skyrocketed in value, with collectors eager to acquire works.
This demand for finely constructed huanghuali furniture has caused sale prices to soar in recent years; at Freeman’s, a pair of armchairs from the late Ming to Qing dynasty commanded a remarkable $948,000 in an April 2022 Asian Arts auction.
What Kind of Huanghuali Furniture Should I Collect?
Since the late 14th century, fragrant rosewood has been used as a building material for everything from small, intricate frames and chests, to larger pieces like cabinets and tables. Freeman’s sales have included objects like Chinese huanghuali brush pots, elegant and coveted items once used to store brushes used by calligraphy scribes.
Part of the reason why huanghuali furniture continues to command impressive prices today is because of its sturdiness and longevity, meaning that pieces constructed in fragrant rosewood as early as the 16th or 17th century are still suitable for contemporary use. Between their sturdiness and their often impressive provenance, huanghuali chairs and tables are excellent investments.