Walnut or Ebony? A Material Guide to Wood Art

In wood art the choice of timber determines both the look and the lifespan of the work. The three most-used hardwoods: Walnut: Warm brown tones with a bold, flowing grain; the timber best suited to carving. Highly workable; most calligraphy panels are walnut. Ebony: Almost black, very hard and heavy. The ideal ground for mother-of-pearl inlay, since nacre glows against a dark field. Rare and costly. Boxwood: Pale yellow, very fine-grained and tightly textured. Preferred for the finest detailed carving (seals, small motifs). How to choose? Walnut for large, legible calligraphy; ebony + nacre for contrast and luxury; boxwood for fine detail. Seasoning: A good work is made from timber dried (seasoned) for years; otherwise it cracks. Arakiye's works are made from seasoned hardwood.