A Preliminary Study of three Chinese Wood Species for Traditional Chinese Furniture

Abstract

Traditional Chinese furniture is a valuable part of world's cultural heritage. Its long history can be divided into four periods: “the youth period”, “the growth period”, “the development period” and “the maturity period”, with specific characteristics in terms of style, decoration, and materials. From a great variety of wood species used for traditional Chinese furniture, Chinese walnut (Juglans mandshurica Maxim), Manchurian ash (Fraxinus mandshurica), and Paulownia (Paulownia elongate) were selected for this preliminary study. The paper presents a brief macroscopic and microscopic characterization of these species, alongside color measurements in the CIELab system. These results will be used as starting data in a further study on the finishing and ageing of these wooden supports, for scientific conservation purposes