In the rich tapestry of Chinese folklore, "gloomy wood" is known as charcoal wood, while monks refer to it as ebony, and Westerners often call it the "Oriental Shenmu." This rare and mysterious material has a long history, dating back thousands of years. According to scientific research, ancient trees in untouched forests were subjected to sudden and drastic environmental changes—earthquakes, flash floods, lightning strikes, and typhoons. These events caused them to be buried deep in riverbeds and sediment layers, sometimes in anoxic, dark environments for thousands, even tens of thousands of years. Over time, they were exposed to strong currents, mud, and marine life, which altered their shape and form, creating unique and fascinating structures.
Through millennia of natural transformation, gloomy wood develops a distinct character—its texture is dense and heavy, its color deep black with a luxurious sheen, and its cross-section smooth and refined. It is oily, resistant to moisture, and carries a subtle fragrance. This wood is considered immortal, retaining its beauty and strength over time. Additionally, it holds medicinal value, combining features like "thinness, transparency, leakage, and wrinkling," earning it the titles of "Oriental Shenmu" and "plant mummies."
Gloomy wood has been highly valued throughout history, symbolizing prestige and status. Folk sayings such as “A box of jewels is not as good as an ebony side†and “Two golden peaches can buy a land, but one needs to trade for an ebony coffin†highlight its rarity and worth. In ancient times, nobles and scholars treasured it as heirlooms and sacred objects. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, it was the preferred material for imperial architecture and coffins. The Qing emperors even reserved it exclusively for the royal family, making it inaccessible to common people and further increasing its scarcity.
Yuan Shikai, the self-proclaimed emperor during the Republic of China era, attempted to mimic imperial status by commissioning an ebony coffin. Though his reign was short-lived, this historical anecdote illustrates the immense value and difficulty in acquiring such rare materials.
Strictly speaking, gloomy wood transcends the category of ordinary wood—it should be regarded as a "treasure." The Palace Museum houses intricate artworks carved from it, showcasing its unmatched beauty and cultural significance. Gloomy wood furniture and art pieces are not only visually stunning but also carry high cultural and investment value, often surpassing even the renowned rosewood.
This rare wood, known as "ebony" in Sichuan, originates from ancient geological events that occurred between 2,000 to 10,000 years ago. Earthquakes, floods, and landslides buried plant life into low-lying areas, where under anaerobic and high-pressure conditions, microorganisms gradually transformed the wood into carbonized timber over centuries or even millennia.
The Sanxingdui ebony, similar in mystery to the famous artifacts of Sanxingdui, represents a precious heritage of Sichuan civilization, often referred to as a "living fossil." Unlike African black wood, Sichuan's ebony is formed through natural processes and is found mainly along the Sijo River and its tributaries. Carbon dating by experts at China University of Geosciences has shown that some pieces date back over 3,200 years.
Ebony comes in various forms, including willow, Cyclobalanopsis, camphor, Nanmu, red eucalyptus, red bean, Masang, cork, and sandalwood. Trees with aromatic and antibacterial properties are more likely to form this rare material. Some large specimens, up to three meters in diameter, have been discovered in the Mianyuan River area, reflecting the lush ecological environment of ancient times.
With its hard, dark appearance ranging from brown-black to red-black, and a fine grain that can achieve a mirror-like polish, ebony is ideal for crafting art and antique furniture. It does not fade, decay, or rot, making it a timeless material.
Archaeologists have used studies on Sanxingdui’s ebony to better understand the environment where ancient elephant tusks were found. Experts at the Palace Museum have also noted its potential health benefits, such as promoting blood circulation and longevity. Monks regard it as a sacred object, believed to ward off evil spirits.
As a non-renewable resource, the supply of genuine gloomy wood is dwindling, making authentic pieces increasingly rare and valuable to collectors. Its unique beauty, historical depth, and cultural significance ensure its place as a true treasure of nature and human craftsmanship.
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