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Hello,
Could anyone please give me information about the age of my wooden box. I think it may be made of zitan.
Thank you.
Victoria.

Zitan wood is a general term which includes numerous species of wood, however it is commonly agreed that it belongs to the genus pterocarpus- purplish-black fine grained hardwood.
Based on your picture I do not believe said it zitan wood.
Also with zitan wood you will normally see gold flecks usually at or around the base using a 10x loupe.
If you look at Christies site after typing zitan you will quickly see the difference.
I also do not believe it is 18th century based on the low quality of carving. Hence 20th century.
Still it is attractive little box.
mark@imperial

Hello Mark,
Thank you for the information.
I believed the box was made of zitan because of the appearance of the wood on base. I have compared this to items on Sotheby's, for example, and to me it looks similar. Please find a photo attached.
Regards,
Victoria.

Hi,
If it is genuine zitan versus other rosewood it should sink in water.
Determining wood species is very difficult by way of pictures as you can imagine.
mark@imperial

Hi Mark,
Thank you for the information.
Regards,
Victoria.

That's true, but its not the only wood that sinks. All of the early Chinese hardwoods do, apart from nanmu sap. Nanmu hearthwood does though if it's a semi fossilized ancient tree. Certain species of Jichimu and Teilimu also sink, as do about 30% of the species listed on China's National Hongmu Standard, of which, officially there are 32 species, but there are many peer reviewed papers out there that discuss the need to expand that list, significantly. Laohuali, Huanghuali, Huali, and certain species that produce Huamu; also sink. Chr###, even cocobolo sinks.
I don't think it's wise to put this piece of information out there. A little knowledge is a dangerous thing.

The box looks to have the golden thread of Zitan.
Likely 19 th century!
"Nice box for a collector"

Hi Victoria,
Lovely little box you have!
Everyone seems to be an expert???
Looks like Zitan , clearly you can see the gold
thread and grain that Zitan wood displays.
I recon its Qing late 19th Century .
Worth today approx between $300 to $500 U.S.
More on a competitive day!!!
Don't start collecting you end up like me with 55 to 60 of them.

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