Sua wood from about 20 years ago has quietly created a strong fever in the market. Many traders from China have flocked to the Vietnamese market to collect this precious wood. Why is it so expensive? Let’s find out in the article below.
Information about sua wood
The origin of the sapwood
Milk wood is the preferred material used when making furniture of the Ming – Qing dynasties. Mainly distributed in Hainan, Guangdong, Guangxi of China and Southeast Asian countries. However, sua is not only one type, the furniture of the Ming – Thanh dynasties has a type of large volume of wood called “Hainan Dan” or “Huynh Dan Giang Huong”.
Ecological characteristics
Sua wood is also known as Hue wood, the scientific name is Dalbergia tonkinensis Prain. Sua leaves have small smooth hairs, about 9cm – 12cm in length. The flowers are white, very beautiful, often growing before the tree has complete leaves. The trunk is mostly yellow-brown, the height is from 10m up to 15m.
Normally, it takes about 10 years for a sapling to form its initial core. Because, after 10 years, they are only 1.2 meters tall, but they have grown tremendously after that period. So just wait for the next 5 years to be able to harvest
The core of the sapwood is divided into 4 beautiful reddish-brown sides. The longer their lifespan, the more beautiful the core will be, preferably 30-50 years old. It can take nearly 100 years to form unique wood grain patterns.
After being polished, the wood will give off an enchanting light like amber. The wood grain sometimes vibrates like a beautiful water wave, achieving a high decorative effect. When sawed, they will give off a faint fragrance. The furniture is made from very durable pine wood. The longer it is used, the brighter the color, the smoother the surface, the more precious and luxurious it is.
Classify
There are two main types of sapwood, red and white. However, the value of these two types of jelly is very different.
White Sua has a mild fragrance, blooms beautifully. However, this type of wood is not very profitable, so most of it is grown as an ornamental tree on the street. The price of white sua tree only ranges from 1 million to 2 million VND.
However, red jujube brings high economic benefits, which can be up to several hundred million VND. This type of wood grows in clusters, if it is burned by fire, it will have an extremely unpleasant smell. People distinguish white and red jujubes by smelling the wood when burning.
Distribution
This type of wood is mainly concentrated in the northern regions of Vietnam. Scattered around places with thick soil and good moisture (similar to some other woods such as cup cypress, peach rosewood) at an altitude of less than 500m.
Wood is more precious than gold, why?
Durability of the sapwood
The wood of the sapwood is quite sturdy, and it is difficult to chip or crack. At the same time, it has the toughness to withstand all harsh weather.
People even dip wood in mud, water. After a long time, it still retains its value. It does not rot with water, nor does it rot or lose its smell.
Uses of sua wood
With health
This wood emits a scent that can prevent insects from approaching. At the same time, according to experts, this plant can help to refresh the spirit, and can also induce sedation. Long-term use also prevents the risk of aging, promotes the revival of body functions. In addition, sapwood can also keep the beauty of people, making the skin less wrinkled. It is also effective in the prevention of cancer or bone diseases.
Not stopping there, they are also “elixir” of panacea. It regulates the blood and qi, makes the face rosy and enhances blood circulation. That makes because the face is full, the body is flexible and the brain works better.
In “Banh Thao Cuong Muc” it was mentioned that using sawdust of water-soaked sapwood has the effect of lowering blood pressure and reducing blood fat. If used as a pillow, it can stretch the tendons and bones. Its feature is that the inner core and outer cover are changed from light to dark, with veins like a demon’s face.
Although this type of sua tree is very easy to grow, it is very difficult to make materials. According to legend, there is a tree with a diameter as wide as a bowl of rice that can only get a core the size of a rolling pin as a crafting material. It takes hundreds of years to grow before it can be used for wood. Currently, it is very difficult to source wood products in the market.
Feng Shui
It is also often said that the wood can ward off evil spirits and reduce evil spirits. So many people use them to make bracelets, wooden statues or altars for worship. Help prosperity, avoid bad luck.
Furniture
The wood has fine grain, the density is quite light, the wood characteristics are relatively stable without deformation, or cracking. Especially suitable for making such residential furniture. It is pale yellow to purplish brown in color, vibrant in color, glossy and smooth, and feels smooth to the touch like jade. The wood grain is neat, clear in the ring, also known as the devil’s grain. The wood grain is delicate and vivid, so it is easy to transform the monkey to shape. With durability and hard to be affected by environmental conditions. In the past, the kings and mandarins often used it as home furniture.
Both good health and showing wealth. The price of this wood has increased dramatically in the world since the 90s of the twentieth century. Because China is now actively searching for this wood to embalm the bodies of the ancient emperors.
Crafts
This type of wood must be owned by a relatively wealthy family. Use it to make handicrafts or decorative statues to make the house more luxurious.
Distinguish real – fake sapwood
– Scent: Sugarwood is very fragrant and pleasant like agarwood. As for fake wood, the smell is quite strong and easy to smell
– Color: Over a long time of use, the real sapwood becomes more glossy and beautiful, and the fake wood gradually fades away.
– Wood grain: The grain of real jujube wood is often swirled and divided in all directions, often without a standard but without the feeling of being edited.
The price of the sapwood
Sua wood is very rare, especially red wood. The price can be calculated in blocks or kg with the price from 5 million to 7 million VND. It won’t be surprising if you buy a small teapot or water bottle for 6 or 10 million each. Because this type of wood belongs to group I – leading rare and precious woods in Vietnam.
