In the history of European furniture, the pieces from the French Louis era are considered classics and remain highly sought after in today’s market. Similarly, in China, redwood furniture that once belonged to the imperial families of the Ming and Qing dynasties has become a favorite among collectors and enthusiasts. As demand from private collectors has surged, the consumer market for redwood furniture has also seen a significant upswing. With raw materials becoming scarcer, the value of mahogany furniture has skyrocketed. It's clear that the market is expanding rapidly, but it's also becoming increasingly chaotic.
Last year alone, the average price of mahogany furniture increased by 20%. A recent example is a small porch less than one meter long, which was priced at 80,000 yuan—something that left many astonished. Miss Wang saw a piece of lobular rosewood at the Fangcun Yuehe mahogany furniture market and was taken aback by the steep price increase. “This is good; mahogany furniture is now showing an upward trend,†said Chen, a general manager at a mahogany furniture company. According to him, from early 2009 to the end of the year, the average increase exceeded 20%, with some items rising by over 50%. He attributed this mainly to the rising cost of materials, especially rare woods like lobular rosewood.
Ming-style furniture is known for its simple and elegant design, which appeals to modern tastes. However, industry insiders suggest that while the rise in material costs plays a role, much of the price increase is due to speculation and hype. Hu Yuanlian, the general manager of Zibotang, believes that the real reason behind the surge is not just the cost of materials, but also artificial inflation driven by market trends. An unnamed industry insider mentioned that sales of mahogany furniture were estimated to have grown by 50% in 2009, with some products being re-priced multiple times. “Sometimes the product is already labeled as sold, but people still want to buy it, so we have to negotiate with the first customer before selling at a higher price,†he said, hinting at the speculative nature of the market.
From being cherished to collectible, and then to an investment or even a form of speculation, the price of mahogany furniture has risen dramatically. While many brands cite rising raw material prices as the main driver, the reality is more complex. According to industry sources, redwood is becoming rarer, with many precious species now hard to find. Most of China’s redwood comes from Southeast Asia, making it expensive. Compared to the beginning of 2009, the price of rosewood has increased by about 30%, while the average rosewood has seen a 50% rise. Regardless of the reasons, the future of mahogany furniture looks promising.
The expansion of the mahogany furniture market is evident in the increasing number of stores. Companies like Panyu Jisheng Weibang have expanded their space by over 30% in the past year. Even low-cost mahogany furniture brands are entering new markets, such as Tianhong and Huahua World. At Jin Kaisha, renovations are underway, with the store set to open soon. In Weijiasi Square, a well-known mahogany furniture company from Zhejiang has also chosen to establish a presence.
Interestingly, unlike traditional mahogany furniture stores, some newer ones are introducing feminine and pastel elements alongside classic designs. Soft fabrics, delicate porcelain, and silk decorations are being used to create a more welcoming atmosphere. “Redwood furniture has always had a serious look, but we want to give it a different image,†said Hu Jing, a sales director at one such store. She added that women are now playing a bigger role in purchasing decisions, and their preferences are influencing the design and marketing of these products.
The furniture in these stores also incorporates modern design elements, moving away from strict replicas of historical styles. The goal is to attract younger consumers who may not have previously considered mahogany furniture as part of their home decor. While the results are still emerging, these stores offer a more relaxed and inviting shopping experience compared to traditional mahogany shops.
However, with the growing popularity of mahogany furniture, the market has also attracted counterfeit and substandard products. According to the China Consumers Association, the qualification rate of the mahogany furniture market is only around 40%, and consumer complaints continue to rise. "Because the price differences between different types of redwood can be ten, twenty, or even hundreds of times, the profit margins are huge, leading to unscrupulous merchants selling fake or inferior products," said Mr. Wang, a redwood collector.
Experts warn that many sellers mislabel wood types, using cheaper alternatives to pass off as high-quality redwood. For instance, pear wood might be sold as rosewood, or ironwood could be mistaken for sour branches. Some even mix lower-quality wood with better materials, making it difficult for even professionals to tell the difference. “If a seller says it’s rosewood, don’t assume it’s genuine—it could be grass rosewood. If it’s rosewood, it might actually be big fruit rosewood,†is a common saying in the industry.
To avoid being deceived, buyers should ask detailed questions about the type and origin of the wood. Many pieces are not clearly labeled, and even when they are, the terms used can be misleading. For example, black rosewood includes eight different varieties, each with its own price range. Some manufacturers use eucalyptus wood to make carved parts, while others paint the furniture to mask the true material.
For those interested in investing, experts suggest doing thorough research and comparing options. While some styles, like Beijing-style, Su-style, and Guang-style, are more valuable, the appreciation rates vary. Beijing-style furniture has appreciated the fastest, with annual increases exceeding 30%, followed by Su-style, and then Guang-style.
When buying mahogany furniture, there are four key things to look for: texture, grain, style, and craftsmanship. Genuine mahogany has a distinct, rich texture and fine grain, while imitations often lack these features and feel lighter. The style should reflect traditional elegance, but modern interpretations are also gaining popularity. Finally, the craftsmanship must be solid and functional, as quality workmanship ensures both durability and value.
For more information, visit the official website of Xianghe Furniture City.
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