Mr. Pang, a passionate collector, is interested in purchasing a piece of rosewood furniture—both as a cherished item and as an investment that can retain its value over time. However, he has heard about the prevalence of counterfeit rosewood products in the market. Some furniture labeled as rosewood is actually made from cheaper woods that closely resemble it in appearance. Concerned about this issue, Mr. Pang reached out to the editorial team at Jinghua Home, seeking guidance on how to identify authentic rosewood furniture and hoping for expert advice on what to look for when making a purchase.
**Counterfeit Rosewood Is a Real Problem**
Mr. Pang’s concerns are not unfounded. Industry sources confirm that as the value of rosewood furniture has risen, so too have the efforts of unscrupulous merchants to pass off cheaper woods as genuine rosewood. These imitations often go undetected by the average consumer, leading to potential losses and disappointment.
According to Sun Shudong, director of the Furniture Inspection Office at the National Furniture and Indoor Environmental Quality Supervision and Inspection Center, one of the most common impostors is "Côte d'Ivoire" wood, also known as "Ivorian sandalwood." This wood is very similar in color and texture to red sandalwood, making it difficult to distinguish with the naked eye once it's crafted into furniture. Some sellers even market it under names like "African Leaflet Rosewood," which adds to the confusion. The raw material cost is only around 20,000 yuan per ton, much lower than true rosewood, yet its resemblance makes it a tempting option for some untrustworthy businesses.
Another wood often mistaken for rosewood is Lushi black rosewood, or "Big Leaf Rosewood." Although it is significantly cheaper than red sandalwood, its appearance is similar, and some sellers use misleading names such as "Big Leaf Red Sandalwood" to trick buyers. Consumers must be cautious, as these imitations can easily deceive those without proper knowledge.
**Testing for Authenticity: Fluorescence Reaction**
There are various methods claimed to help identify real rosewood, including a test involving alcohol. Some companies demonstrate that when small wooden blocks are placed in alcohol, different reactions occur. For example, red sandalwood produces a distinct blue fluorescence, while Côte d'Ivoire may show a slower or less intense reaction. However, according to Sun Shudong, this method is not scientifically accurate. While red sandalwood does exhibit a fluorescent reaction, the way it is tested in these demonstrations lacks scientific rigor. Moreover, other woods may also react similarly, and staining can affect results.
Sun Shudong suggests a more reliable method: placing red sandalwood in water and observing if a blue layer appears on the surface after some time. This technique is generally more accurate, as only certain species within the Pterocarpus genus will display this reaction. However, it's important to note that this test works best when distinguishing between red sandalwood and other types like Asian pear, which are rarely confused due to their distinct colors.
**Proper Labeling and Documentation**
Even if the wood used is genuine, proving that a specific piece of furniture is made from real rosewood can be challenging. Experts advise consumers to request a sample of the material for testing before purchasing. While this might damage the furniture slightly, it's a necessary step to ensure authenticity.
When shopping for rosewood furniture, buyers should also pay attention to the wood's appearance. Real rosewood typically has a deep purple or reddish hue, with visible fine hairs on the surface. A simple approach is to "look, smell, ask, and touch"—observing the grain and color, checking for natural finishes, listening to the sound when tapped, asking for the scientific name of the wood, and feeling the craftsmanship.
Industry insiders also warn that verbal guarantees from salespeople are not always reliable. Many sellers use vague terms like "African Lobular Rosewood" or "Big Leaf Rosewood" on invoices, making it hard for consumers to prove they were misled later. To avoid this, Sun Shudong recommends that buyers ensure the contract clearly states the formal scientific name of the wood, as defined by industry standards, rather than just common names. This helps protect consumers and ensures transparency in the transaction.
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