Golden nanmu, also known as "Jin Si Nanmu," is a rare and highly prized wood native to China. Although it's well-known, most people have never actually seen it. Historically, this wood was reserved exclusively for the imperial court and was considered a symbol of power and status. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, golden nanmu was used in the construction of royal palaces, temples, and even the emperor’s throne. Unauthorized use of the wood was strictly forbidden, as it was considered an act of overstepping the social and ritual hierarchy.
In the market, the Beijing Forbidden City and its surrounding structures are largely built with Jinsi Nanmu Liangzhu, a specific type of golden nanmu. From the Ming to the Qing dynasties, this wood was reserved solely for the royal family. The gilded temples, golden lacquer thrones, ancestral Buddha statues, and temple urns were often crafted from this precious material. Historical records, such as the Qianlong Emperor’s personal notes, show that he personally oversaw the creation of many custom-made pieces of golden nanmu furniture.
[Image: Golden silk wood chair]
Sichuan's golden nanmu was particularly favored by the Ming emperors, who had a deep appreciation for yellow-colored items. The beauty of golden nanmu is unmatched, earning it the title of “Emperor Wood.†This wood is known for its durability, resistance to decay, and fine grain, making it ideal for long-lasting structures and decorative elements.
However, there are historical accounts of the misuse of golden nanmu. For example, during the Qianlong era, there were reports of unauthorized removal of golden nanmu from ancient sites under the guise of restoration projects. These actions led to the loss of many original architectural elements.
According to Cao Jinglou, during the Ming and Qing periods, nanmu was primarily used for structural purposes in buildings or as an auxiliary material in furniture. It was not typically used for large-scale furniture due to its softness. Instead, it was often combined with harder woods like rosewood or red sandalwood. Some pieces featured a core of nanmu wrapped in hardwood, creating a unique inlay style that was popular during the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Today, the value of nanmu furniture is influenced by its historical significance and rarity. Classical furniture researcher Shen Ping explains that while golden nanmu was once used mainly as an accessory in hardwood furniture, its role expanded after the Qing Dynasty when imported woods became scarce. However, it was rarely used as the main material for furniture, as it lacked the strength required for large pieces.
In *Dream of the Red Chamber*, the description of Qin Keqing’s coffin made of nanmu mentions that “a thousand taels of silver could not buy it,†highlighting its extreme value. The wood is known for being resistant to decay and deformation, making it ideal for funerary purposes. However, Zhou Mo notes that the reason nanmu doesn’t rot is because it was sealed away from air, not because of any magical properties. When exposed to the elements, it can still deteriorate quickly.
Cao Jinglou also criticized the modern idea that golden nanmu was exclusively reserved for royalty. He argues that the term “emperor wood†is more of a myth than a reality. While the royal family did use it, commoners also utilized it for different purposes. The concept of exclusive royal use is more of a marketing tactic than a historical fact.
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