In the rich tapestry of Chinese folklore, "gloomy wood" is often referred to as charcoal wood by the common people, "ebony" by monks, and "Oriental Shenmu" by the West. This unique type of wood has a long and mysterious history, formed through natural disasters such as earthquakes, flash floods, lightning strikes, and typhoons that occurred in ancient times. These events buried centuries-old trees deep within riverbeds and sediment layers, where they remained for thousands or even tens of thousands of years. Over time, these woods were subjected to intense natural forces like water currents, mud, and marine life, which altered their shapes and created distinctive, twisted forms.
After millennia of exposure to nature’s elements, gloomy wood acquires a unique texture—solid, heavy, and dark in color, with a smooth and delicate surface. It is oily, moisture-resistant, and fragrant, making it both durable and valuable. Known for its "skinny, transparent, leaky, and wrinkled" characteristics, it is celebrated as “Oriental Shenmu†and “plant mummies.†Beyond its aesthetic appeal, this rare wood also holds medicinal value, further enhancing its status.
Historically, gloomy wood was considered a symbol of prestige and power. Folk sayings like “a box of jewels is not as good as an ebony side†and “two golden peaches are worth more than a piece of ebony†reflect its high value. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, it was a favored material for imperial architecture and coffins. The Qing emperors even reserved it exclusively for the royal family, forbidding commoners from using it, which made it extremely rare and highly sought after.
Strictly speaking, gloomy wood is not just wood—it's more like a treasure. The Palace Museum houses exquisite artworks carved from it, proving its unmatched value compared to ordinary wood. Its cultural significance, artistic beauty, and potential for appreciation make it a prized possession, sometimes surpassing even the famous rosewood.
The term "gloomy wood" refers to a specific type of carbonized wood found in Sichuan, not the black wood from Africa. Formed over 2,000 to 10,000 years ago, it was buried due to natural disasters like earthquakes and floods. Under anaerobic and high-pressure conditions, microorganisms transformed the buried trees into what we now call "carbonized wood." These pieces are rare, non-renewable, and hold great scientific, cultural, and economic value.
Gloomy wood is known for its intricate, natural shapes and elegant appearance, making it highly ornamental and collectible. Its beauty is often described as a blend of nature and human artistry, capturing the essence of ancient landscapes. The Sanxingdui area, near the ancient riverbeds, is one of the most significant sources of this wood. Carbon dating by the China University of Geosciences shows some pieces to be around 3,200 years old.
There are various types of gloomy wood, including willow, Cyclobalanopsis, camphor, Nanmu, eucalyptus, and others. Trees with aromatic and antibacterial properties can form this rare material. Some large pieces, up to three meters in diameter, have been discovered, indicating the lush environment of ancient times.
Gloomy wood is typically dark brown, black-red, golden, or yellowish-brown. Its fine grain and polished surface can achieve mirror-like brightness. It is resistant to decay, insects, and fading, making it ideal for crafting antiques and art pieces. Archaeologists have used it to understand the ancient environment of Sanxingdui, and experts believe it has health benefits, such as promoting blood circulation and longevity.
As a non-renewable resource, gloomy wood is becoming increasingly scarce. Many natural pieces are now considered priceless collectibles, valued for their rarity and historical significance. Whether as art, furniture, or cultural heritage, gloomy wood continues to captivate and inspire.
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