Golden nanmu, a rare and prestigious wood native to China, has long been associated with royalty and imperial architecture. Though many have heard of it, few have actually seen it, as it was historically reserved for the imperial court. During ancient times, golden nanmu was exclusively used in the construction of palaces, temples, and royal furniture, including the emperor's throne. Unauthorized use of this wood was considered a violation of the strict ritual codes, especially during the Ming and Qing dynasties, when its use was strictly regulated.
In the market, the Beijing Forbidden City and its surrounding structures are largely built using Jinsi Nanmu, a high-quality variant of the wood. From the Ming to the Qing dynasties, it was reserved solely for the royal family. The gilded temples, golden lacquer thrones, ancestral Buddha statues, and urn-built temples were often crafted from this precious material. Records from the Qianlong era even show that the emperor personally reviewed custom-made Jinsi Nanmu furniture.
[Image: Golden silk wood chair]
Sichuan’s Jinsi Nanmu was highly favored by the Ming court. The emperor had a particular fondness for yellow items, and Jin Si Nan, with its unique beauty, earned the title of “Emperor Wood.†This wood is known for its durability, having survived for thousands of years. However, historical accounts reveal that during the Qianlong period, there were incidents where the imperial court illegally took large pieces of nanmu, repurposing them for their own projects under the guise of tomb restoration.
According to Cao Jinglou, during the Ming and Qing dynasties, nanmu was primarily used for structural purposes in buildings, as well as for making furniture or combining it with other hardwoods. It was also used for coffins, taking advantage of its resistance to decay and deformation. The Forbidden City's main structures were built using large quantities of nanmu, with the sapwood often used for decorative elements, ensuring optimal utilization of the material.
Today, the value of nanmu furniture is influenced by its historical significance and scarcity. Classical furniture researcher Shen Ping notes that while Ming and Qing court furniture was mainly made from red sandalwood and rosewood, gold nanmu was occasionally used as an accessory or in combination with these woods. After the Qing Dynasty, as imported hardwoods became scarcer, some artisans turned to nanmu as a substitute. However, due to its soft texture, it was rarely used for large-scale furniture. Instead, it was often used as backboards, partitions, or inner linings, helping to conserve more valuable hardwoods.
In *Dream of Red Mansions*, the mention of a "Nanmu coffin" used for Qin Keqing highlights its rarity and value—described as costing "one thousand two silver, but nowhere to buy." This wood, known for being resistant to rot, warping, and cracking, was ideal for coffins in the Ming and Qing periods. However, Zhou Mo explains that the reason for its preservation is not due to its natural properties, but because it was kept away from air and moisture, making it appear almost immortal.
Cao Jinglou criticized the modern notion that golden nanmu was exclusively for the royal family, calling it a form of "stealing the pillars." He argues that the idea of "emperor wood" is exaggerated. In reality, both the royal family and common people used nanmu, though the purposes differed. The royal family rarely used it for furniture, and much of the current perception is based on propaganda rather than historical fact.
Overall, golden nanmu remains a symbol of Chinese cultural heritage, valued for its beauty, durability, and historical significance. Its legacy continues to influence art, architecture, and craftsmanship today.
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