{"title":"Rootwood in Chinese Decorative Arts","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"195\" data-end=\"530\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"195\" data-end=\"207\"\u003eRootwood\u003c\/strong\u003e, known as \u003cem data-start=\"218\" data-end=\"225\"\u003enanmu\u003c\/em\u003e in Chinese, refers to timber derived from the roots of certain trees, most notably the \u003cstrong data-start=\"313\" data-end=\"344\"\u003enanmu tree (Phoebe zhennan)\u003c\/strong\u003e and the \u003cstrong data-start=\"353\" data-end=\"394\"\u003ehuanghuali tree (Dalbergia odorifera)\u003c\/strong\u003e. Highly esteemed in Chinese decorative arts and furniture, rootwood is treasured for both its rarity and its striking natural beauty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"532\" data-end=\"567\"\u003eUnique Grain \u0026amp; Natural Beauty\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"568\" data-end=\"895\"\u003eRootwood is instantly recognisable for its \u003cstrong data-start=\"611\" data-end=\"653\"\u003eirregular, interlocking grain patterns\u003c\/strong\u003e, formed by the twisting growth of tree roots. These patterns produce organic, almost abstract designs that seem alive with movement. No two pieces are alike, giving rootwood furniture and objects an individuality that cannot be replicated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"897\" data-end=\"937\"\u003eUse in Furniture \u0026amp; Decorative Arts\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"938\" data-end=\"1295\"\u003eArtisans of the \u003cstrong data-start=\"954\" data-end=\"981\"\u003eMing and Qing dynasties\u003c\/strong\u003e mastered the art of working with rootwood, transforming its irregular forms into \u003cstrong data-start=\"1063\" data-end=\"1124\"\u003etables, chairs, cabinets, screens, and decorative objects\u003c\/strong\u003e. Rather than imposing rigid designs, craftsmen often highlighted the wood’s natural shapes, producing works that celebrated both human artistry and nature’s own design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1297\" data-end=\"1330\"\u003eColour, Durability \u0026amp; Appeal\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1331\" data-end=\"1618\"\u003eThe appeal of rootwood lies not only in its grain but also in its \u003cstrong data-start=\"1397\" data-end=\"1415\"\u003erich colouring\u003c\/strong\u003e, ranging from deep reddish-browns to warm golden hues, depending on species and age. Dense and durable, rootwood furniture was made to last for generations, adding practicality to its aesthetic value.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1620\" data-end=\"1645\"\u003eRarity \u0026amp; Collecting\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1646\" data-end=\"1929\"\u003eBecause of the scarcity of nanmu and huanghuali trees, \u003cstrong data-start=\"1701\" data-end=\"1755\"\u003eauthentic rootwood furniture is now extremely rare\u003c\/strong\u003e. Surviving examples are highly prized by collectors and connoisseurs, both as expressions of Chinese cultural heritage and as one-of-a-kind masterpieces of natural design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1931\" data-end=\"2112\"\u003eRootwood remains an enduring symbol of the Chinese appreciation for harmony between art and nature, admired as much today as in the imperial courts of the Ming and Qing dynasties.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"rootwood-lamp","title":"Lacquered rootwood scholar’s rock, now mounted as a table lamp","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHighly sculptural and composed of several natural rootwood elements ingeniously combined to create a dramatic organic form, the whole finished in lacquer. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHeight to the light fitting 48 cm, depth 30 cm, width 37 cm.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Collection EE40","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53654419210577,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0935\/5873\/5185\/files\/root-lamp-base.jpg?v=1778073958"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0935\/5873\/5185\/collections\/0W2A9661-1.jpg?v=1757691290","url":"https:\/\/nwtiques.com\/collections\/rootwood.oembed","provider":"Nicholas Wells Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}