Huanghuali
/ˌhwɑːŋˈhwɑː.liː/noun
A fragrant, richly figured hardwood traditionally used in Chinese furniture and decorative objects, especially from species of Dalbergia.
Did you know?Huanghuali became prized during China’s Ming and Qing dynasties, when its fine grain and resistance to insects helped make it a status symbol in elite furniture and scholar’s rooms.
Etymological Timeline
Old Chinese
Old Chinese
*C.qʷˤaŋ
“Yellow; the color associated with gold and ripe grain”
Middle Chinese
Middle Chinese
huáng
“Yellow”
Middle Chinese
Middle Chinese
huā
“Flower; blossom”
Middle Chinese
Middle Chinese
lì
“Pear tree or pear fruit”
Late Imperial China
Chinese
黃花梨 / huánghuālǐ
“Literally “yellow-flower pear,” a name for a valuable fragrant hardwood”
Modern English
English
huanghuali
“A Chinese hardwood, usually referring to prized rosewood-like timber used in traditional furniture”
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