Trade Names
Phoebe
Similar Woods
Golden Madrone Maser
Origin
Asia, China
Range
Emperor Burl is a very rare tree growing in the Southern Chinese provinces of Sichuan, Guizhou, Hubei and Hunan. The tree belongs to the family of Lauraceae. The tree grows very slowly and will reach a diameter of about 10 cm when it is approx. 60 years old. Trees which are over 500 years old are nothing out of the ordinary.
Uses
Especially during the Ming (1368 – 1644) and Qing dynasties (1644 – 1911), Emperor wood used to be the preferred timber for the imperial palaces and temples as well as their furniture, whose use was exclusively reserved to the imperial family. Today, Phoebe is solely used for interior fittings of highest quality. Due to the scarcity of the burled type, there is no other field of use.
Properties
Emperor Burl has a golden-green shine, which is extraordinarily intensive and which produces special visual effects after surface treatment. Since this wood is very resistant to insect infestation, well-preserved furniture pieces can be found in China still today.
Machining
Machining can be carried out entirely problem-free. The wood does not splinter and even sticks of only a few millimeters in thickness can be carved without difficulty.
Seasoning
No previous experience.
Finishing
Surface treatment is easy and problem-free.
Jointing
Glue joints hold well and firmly.