In the history of European furniture, the classic pieces from the French Louis era remain highly sought after in today’s market. Similarly, in China, redwood furniture used by the imperial families during the Ming and Qing dynasties has also become a hot commodity among collectors. As demand from private collectors surged, the consumer market for redwood furniture has seen a significant rise. With the scarcity of raw materials, the value of mahogany furniture has skyrocketed. It is now common to see furniture stores expanding rapidly, but the market has also become increasingly chaotic.
Last year, the average price of mahogany furniture increased by 20%. A small porch made of lobular rosewood was priced at 80,000 yuan, which left Miss Wang in shock. “This is incredible—mahogany furniture is really on the rise,†said Chen, a manager at a furniture company. He explained that from early 2009 to the end of the year, the average increase exceeded 20%, with some items rising over 50%. “The main reason is the soaring cost of raw materials, especially lobular rosewood, which is becoming very rare.â€
Ming-style furniture is known for its simple and elegant design. While many industry insiders agree that the price increases are partly due to material costs, others believe that speculation and hype have played a major role. Hu Yuanlian, general manager of Zibotang, pointed out that while the rise in raw material prices isn’t extremely high, the artificial inflation of prices has been significant.
An anonymous industry insider revealed that sales of mahogany furniture grew by about 50% in 2009. Some products had already been raised in price three times this year. “Sometimes, a product is already labeled as sold, but people still want to buy it. We have to negotiate with the first customer before selling it at a higher price,†he said, implying that prices were being artificially inflated.
From being a cherished item to a collectible, then an investment and even a speculative asset, the price of mahogany furniture has gone through multiple stages. However, most brands attribute the price hike primarily to the rising cost of redwood materials. According to insiders, redwood is becoming scarcer, with many precious species now hard to find. Most of China’s redwood comes from Southeast Asian countries, making it expensive. Compared to the beginning of 2009, rosewood prices have risen by around 30%, while the average redwood price has gone up by about 50%.
As the market expands, more redwood furniture stores are opening. Companies like Panyu Jisheng Weibang have expanded their space by over 30%. Even low-cost redwood furniture brands are entering new markets, such as Tianhong and Huahua World. Some stores are currently undergoing renovations, aiming to open soon. In Weijiasi Square, well-known redwood furniture companies have also chosen to set up shop.
Interestingly, unlike traditional redwood furniture stores, some new shops incorporate feminine pastel colors, soft fabrics, delicate porcelain, and silk elements into their designs. This fresh approach aims to attract a broader audience, especially women, who are now playing a more influential role in purchasing decisions. “We want to make redwood furniture more appealing to younger generations,†said Hu Jing, a sales director at one of these stores. While the results are not yet clear, the experience of visiting these stores feels more welcoming than traditional ones.
However, the growing popularity of redwood furniture has also led to an increase in fake or substandard products. According to the China Consumers Association, only 40% of redwood furniture in the market meets quality standards. Consumer complaints have also been rising. Mr. Wang, a redwood collector, shared his concerns: “Because the price differences between different types of redwood can be ten, twenty, or even hundreds of times, the huge profit margins lead to unscrupulous merchants who sell fake or poor-quality products.â€
Common fraud tactics include substituting cheaper woods for premium ones, such as using pear wood instead of rosewood or ironwood instead of sour branches. Some sellers even mix lower-grade woods with better ones to inflate prices. For example, African chicken wing wood may be passed off as Burmese chicken wing wood. These practices make it difficult for even experienced collectors to distinguish real from fake.
“Don’t assume that if a seller says it’s rosewood, it’s actually mahogany. It might be grass rosewood. If it’s rosewood, it could be big fruit rosewood,†is a common warning in the market. Buyers must ask detailed questions about the type and origin of the wood. Some sellers use eucalyptus or sapwood to create parts of the furniture, making it hard to tell the difference once painted.
For investors, it’s important to do thorough research. Some Ming-style furniture is popular due to its simple design and compatibility with modern interiors. Professionals suggest focusing on red rosewood and old rosewood varieties, which offer strong appreciation potential. When buying, take your time, compare options, and don’t rush into a purchase.
Different styles of redwood furniture have varying collection values. The "Beijing-style," "Su-style," and "Guang-style" are among the most recognized. "Beijing-style" furniture tends to be the most expensive, followed by "Su-style," while "Guang-style" is generally more affordable. In recent years, "Beijing-style" furniture has appreciated the fastest, with annual price increases exceeding 30%.
When purchasing redwood furniture, there are four key things to look for:
1. **Texture**: Genuine redwood is dense, heavy, and has fine grain. Look for natural color variations and a smooth feel.
2. **Wood Grain**: Real redwood has distinct, visible grain patterns. Imitations often lack texture and appear dull.
3. **Style**: Traditional styles like Ming and Qing are elegant, but modern and regional styles are also worth considering.
4. **Workmanship**: Pay attention to the structure, craftsmanship, and functionality of the piece. High-quality workmanship ensures long-term value.
For more information, visit the official website of Xianghe Furniture City.
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