Mr. Pang is interested in purchasing a red sandalwood item from the furniture market. He likes its aesthetic appeal and believes it can hold its value over time. However, he recently came across reports that some red sandalwood furniture on the market is actually fake or made from cheaper wood that resembles red sandalwood. This raised concerns for him, so he reached out to Jinghua Furniture’s editorial team, asking if there's a reliable way to identify authentic red sandalwood furniture and whether experts could provide tips on how to choose it wisely.
The issue of counterfeit red sandalwood is real. As the price of rosewood furniture has increased, many unscrupulous merchants have started using similar woods to mimic the look of genuine red sandalwood. According to industry sources, this practice has become quite common, with some sellers even mislabeling other types of wood as red sandalwood to inflate their prices.
Sun Shudong, director of the Furniture Inspection Room at the National Furniture and Indoor Environmental Quality Supervision and Inspection Center, explained that one of the most commonly imitated species is "Côte d'Ivoire," also known as African red sandalwood. Visually, it closely resembles red sandalwood in both texture and color, making it difficult to distinguish without proper testing. Similarly, "Lu’s black Dalbergia," often referred to as "Daiye red sandalwood," is another type that is frequently sold under the wrong name. Although it is much cheaper than true red sandalwood, its appearance is similar enough to confuse some buyers.
Some merchants even go as far as using alcohol tests to determine authenticity. On a website, a company demonstrated an experiment where different wood samples were placed in alcohol-filled beakers. The reaction was said to indicate whether the wood was genuine red sandalwood. However, Sun Shudong pointed out that this method isn't scientifically accurate. While red sandalwood does exhibit a fluorescent response when exposed to water, the test involving alcohol is unreliable. It may not produce consistent results and could be influenced by artificial stains or chemical treatments.
Experts suggest that consumers should look for natural wood color and texture when selecting red sandalwood furniture. Genuine red sandalwood typically has a deep fuchsia or purple-black hue, with visible fine grain patterns. It should not be painted but rather finished with wax. If the furniture is lacquered, that might be a red flag. Tapping on the piece can also help—authentic red sandalwood produces a distinct, hollow sound.
Another method involves the “look, smell, ask, touch†approach. Consumers should observe the wood’s color and grain, check for craftsmanship, and ask the seller about the exact species used. It’s important to request the scientific name rather than just a common label. Additionally, before finalizing a purchase, buyers should ensure that the contract clearly states the material used, including the official name recognized by industry standards.
Ultimately, being informed and cautious is key. Many consumers are misled due to a lack of knowledge, making it hard to prove fraud later. Experts advise always asking for documentation and verifying the wood’s origin to avoid falling victim to scams.
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