**Core Tip:**
The unique, twisted grain pattern that forms due to environmental conditions affecting tree cell growth is known as "cow hair texture" or "bovine rosewood." In essence, this is a type of sandalwood rosewood. This texture is often used as a method for identifying red sandalwood. However, this approach is not entirely accurate. Many high-altitude red sandalwoods with slow growth do not exhibit this "cow hair" feature, and their wood tends to be finer and more refined.
Red sandalwood, green sandalwood, ebony, white sandalwood, Dalbergia, and other species all include the term "tang" (which translates to "bush") in their names. While this word has historical and cultural significance, it doesn’t always carry practical meaning on its own. When combined with the character “zi†(meaning “purpleâ€), it evokes a sense of nobility, dignity, and elegance. Many people are familiar with the term “red sandalwood,†but few understand its true nature, origin, or evolution over time.
Today, the mahogany market is highly confusing, with many wood types having similar appearances. Even within red sandalwood, differences in environment, climate, soil quality, and deforestation time can lead to variations in texture, making identification difficult without experience. Additionally, the term “tang†is often used to inflate prices, leading to mislabeling and confusion among consumers.
This article aims to clarify what red sandalwood truly is—not a class or genus, but a specific type of wood. Its name is simple: “red sandalwood.†Scientifically, it's called *Sandalwood Rosewood*, and it’s also commonly referred to as *Lobular Rosewood*. However, because the material quality and texture vary, visual examples are provided to help readers better understand its appearance. Still, no image can fully capture all the characteristics of red sandalwood, so real-world experience is essential for deeper understanding.
**Is Red Sandalwood Already Extinct?**
The leaves of the rosewood tree are round and neatly arranged, with clear veins. The branches are soft when young, but the wood becomes extremely hard once cut. In India, red sandalwood is known as “Sacred Wood,†valued for its beauty, durability, and spiritual significance. It is believed to ward off evil and bring good fortune.
In China, red sandalwood has a long history. According to ancient records, the kingdom of Funan, located in present-day Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, and Thailand, was one of the earliest sources of red sandalwood. The use of red sandalwood in China began during the Ming Dynasty, especially under Emperor Yongle, when Zheng He brought it back from Southeast Asia. Later, the emperor himself became a big fan and ordered large quantities to be imported. By the Qing Dynasty, however, red sandalwood had become scarce, and most of the available stock came from earlier collections.
By the mid-Qing period, the shortage of red sandalwood led to its replacement by mahogany. The court even bought up existing stocks at high prices, leading to near-complete depletion. By the time of Yuan Shikai, very little remained in China.
After the war, red sandalwood fell out of favor. But with economic recovery, it gradually returned to the market. Due to its slow growth and limited supply, prices soared, making it a rare and valuable commodity today.
**Related reading:** Sandalwood rosewood furniture buy thick and not buy long
**Does Red Sandalwood Have Many Classifications?**
Some scholars have divided red sandalwood into various types, such as cow-hair rosewood, rhinoceros rosewood, chicken-blood rosewood, and Venus rosewood. However, these terms are misleading and not scientifically valid. They refer more to physical features influenced by growing conditions rather than distinct classifications.
According to the Chinese Academy of Forestry, red sandalwood must meet certain criteria: single-row homogenous short rays, dark heartwood, dry density greater than 1, and tube hole diameter less than 160μm. These standards help distinguish genuine red sandalwood from imitations.
In 1996, a batch of wood imported from Madagascar was identified as red sandalwood by the National Palace Museum. This led to a surge in imports, but soon the UN raised concerns about illegal logging. Madagascar officially denied that the wood was rosewood, and after investigations, the truth came to light.
As a result, the 2000 Chinese National Standard reclassified some woods, including what was previously called “Lushi Black Dalbergia,†now classified as black rosewood. This caused confusion, and many still believe in the old myths.
Despite the changes, red sandalwood remains a prized material, with its beauty and rarity continuing to attract collectors and enthusiasts around the world.
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