Rootwood, known as nanmu in Chinese, refers to timber derived from the roots of certain trees, most notably the nanmu tree (Phoebe zhennan) and the huanghuali tree (Dalbergia odorifera). Highly esteemed in Chinese decorative arts and furniture, rootwood is treasured for both its rarity and its striking natural beauty.
Unique Grain & Natural Beauty
Rootwood is instantly recognisable for its irregular, interlocking grain patterns, formed by the twisting growth of tree roots. These patterns produce organic, almost abstract designs that seem alive with movement. No two pieces are alike, giving rootwood furniture and objects an individuality that cannot be replicated.
Use in Furniture & Decorative Arts
Artisans of the Ming and Qing dynasties mastered the art of working with rootwood, transforming its irregular forms into tables, chairs, cabinets, screens, and decorative objects. Rather than imposing rigid designs, craftsmen often highlighted the wood’s natural shapes, producing works that celebrated both human artistry and nature’s own design.
Colour, Durability & Appeal
The appeal of rootwood lies not only in its grain but also in its rich colouring, ranging from deep reddish-browns to warm golden hues, depending on species and age. Dense and durable, rootwood furniture was made to last for generations, adding practicality to its aesthetic value.
Rarity & Collecting
Because of the scarcity of nanmu and huanghuali trees, authentic rootwood furniture is now extremely rare. Surviving examples are highly prized by collectors and connoisseurs, both as expressions of Chinese cultural heritage and as one-of-a-kind masterpieces of natural design.
Rootwood remains an enduring symbol of the Chinese appreciation for harmony between art and nature, admired as much today as in the imperial courts of the Ming and Qing dynasties.
