Some people may think that the carving on mahogany furniture is nothing more than carving a variety of patterns on the wood with a special carving knife, but in fact, this is not a simple carving work in the hands of woodworkers, it is more like an art that integrates aesthetics, skills and innovation. The carving of mahogany furniture can be roughly divided into mahogany, rosewood and huanghuali work, each of which has its own unique characteristics and requirements, and also reflects the woodiness and value of different mahogany.
Mahogany. Mahogany is the most common process in low-end cost-effective mahogany furniture. In fact, it was only after the middle of the Qing Dynasty that mahogany was used extensively. As a result, the lines of many old mahogany woodware carvers may not be straight enough, and the thickness may be slightly uneven. In addition, the round line may not be smooth enough, the base may be uneven, and the outline may be distracted. To put it simply, this carving is tangible and visible, but the details are insufficient.
Huanghua pear worker. Compared with mahogany, Huanghuali represents a higher level. Huanghuali workers mainly appear on furniture in the Ming Dynasty, which is characterized by fine craftsmanship and rich charm of carving. Carpenters no longer rely on drawings, but cut directly on the wood, each of which reflects the mood of the maker, whether majestic, lively, quiet, or simple. This kind of craftsmanship focuses more on verve and artistic conception than on simple techniques and forms.
Rosewood worker. The red sandalwood worker is a representative of the ultimate exquisite craftsmanship handed down during the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty. It pursues an ultimate skill that makes up for the lack of finesse in the previous process. Before carving, the wood must be proofed to ensure that each knife is accurate. This process gives the impression that it does not appear to be hand-carved, but cast through molds to an extreme level of sophistication.
Most of these carvers are named after the wood they use. For example, red sandalwood in the Ming and Qing dynasties was more precious than huanghuali. Therefore, do not think that the red sandalwood worker is necessarily weaker than the yellow pear worker. In fact, each of them has its own strengths, and they all represent the ultimate pursuit and love of furniture craftsmanship in their respective periods and backgrounds. In general, whether it is mahogany, rosewood or huanghuali worker, it takes years of practice and exploration to grasp the essence of it, by understanding the characteristics and requirements of mahogany, rosewood and huanghuali worker, we can better appreciate and understand the value and charm of these crafts.