Chicken wing wood comes in many varieties, each with its own history and cultural significance. This type of wood has long been admired by scholars and was once considered a symbol of status among merchants, elevating it to an aristocratic level. In ancient times, the early wenge wood was a rare species, likely not found in large quantities. Over time, it gained spiritual value after being praised by literati. I once thought that the name "chicken wing" might be a play on words, as chickens are often associated with auspicious symbols in Ming and Qing-era relics. Therefore, it's natural to wonder about the origin of the name, which explains why so many imitations have emerged over time.
There are generally three main categories of chicken wing wood:
Old chicken wing wood was primarily used in Ming Dynasty furniture and some early Qing pieces. It’s relatively easy to identify. First, its weight is lighter than most hardwoods, even lighter than eucalyptus. A piece of old chicken wing wood feels light in hand. Second, its color is usually grayish, especially after losing its wax over time. When polished, the color becomes slightly lighter, revealing the characteristic grain pattern. Third, the texture isn’t very pronounced, and it can easily be mistaken for ironwood. However, there's a simple way to tell the difference: if the grain runs at a 90-degree angle to the nail holes, it’s likely old chicken wing wood. The texture is smoother compared to ironwood. Its fibers are flexible, making it suitable for general carving, though fine details are rarely seen in Ming-style furniture, highlighting the material’s limitations.
New wenge wood, while still from the Qing Dynasty, differs from the old variety. From the mid to late Qing period, old chicken wing wood became scarce, leading to the introduction of new types. New chicken wing wood is darker, with a brownish tone and a slight yellow hue in the grain. It is heavier than the old variety, making weight a key distinguishing factor. Its texture is more pronounced and visually appealing to many. However, the fibers are thicker and tougher, making it harder to carve. As a result, carvings made from new chicken wing wood tend to be rougher. The sources of this wood are varied, with multiple regions producing different quality levels. For furniture collectors, it’s best to stay informed without delving too deeply, as misidentification is common.
Fake chicken wing wood is a more recent phenomenon. Originally, there were no fakes, but to distinguish it from the real ones, the term “fake†was introduced. This imitation wood is now imported from Africa and is not the same species as the traditional chicken wing wood. Its texture is strikingly beautiful, but those familiar with authentic pieces may find it overly flashy or garish. The color is a mix of black and yellow, appearing gaudy. It is also much heavier, similar to mahogany. Most notably, it emits an unpleasant odor, which has led to local names like “seeing Guangwu†in Cantonese, “Tokyo wood†in Zhejiang, and “Shatongmu†in Suzhou. Any furniture made from such material is clearly not genuine.
The history of chicken wing wood furniture spans at least five centuries, valued by scholars and often misunderstood by traders. These pieces are like eccentric characters—unpredictable and full of character. Despite its long history, the exact number of variations remains unclear. Understanding the physical properties of chicken wing wood is essential for identifying authentic Ming and Qing furniture, helping avoid major mistakes in evaluation.
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