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Hi, I need help on identify the wood for my display case. It has been in my family for over 20 years. I have told the wood is rosewood, stripe ebony wood, huanghuali wood ect.,. Please let me know your expert opinions. Thank you

This is an exceptional piece.
Chinese manner, but in fact more likely Japanese. The timber used among the most sought after of the Asian tropical hardwoods, in the context that is, of antiquity. Known as 'Coromandel' in the West, was among the highest value raw materials imported to Europe from the appropriately named 'Coromandel Coast' between the 17th & e19thC's, & from a European perspective usually reserved (sparingly / veneers) for objects of some cultural significance. In China this timber is sometimes referred to as 'huanghuali', or even as you have said 'stripy ebony'. The term huanghuali however in this case should not really be used given the work, albeit in Chinese manner, is not Chinese. It is a Japanese interpretation of the Chinese style, & apart from it's unmistakably Japanese form, the timber itself is also far more commonly used in the manufacture of Japanese than in Chinese furniture. Nomenculturally speaking, the term 'stripy ebony' - as juvenile as it may sound - could be considered more correct than use of the term 'huanghuali', but truly it could be said that application of the nomenclature assumes more academic sophistication than can generally be attributed to those who may in reality apply it. The timber itself comes from various species of the persimmon tree. Diospyros genera. Huanghuali conversely is in all cases - whether Pterocarpus; Dalbergia; Ormoisa; or 'nomen conservorandum' genera, (& albeit is produced by various species of all of these genera) is Leguminosae family. ie: produces a legume, or bean - not a Persimmon fruit.
Persimmon in both Chinese & Japanese culture is associated symbolically with strength & endurance. The timber extremely hard; resistent to decay; and furthermore extremely beautiful. The tree (some would say fortunately for this genera) produces a valuable crop, & is thus afforded the type of grass roots level protection by members of the indigenous population that Leguminosae family remains lacking. ie: It is not an endangered genera owing in most part to the fact it is not typically felled. Thus, despite various species of the genera being abundant from Veitnam to the northern reaches of the 'Coromandel Coast', in terms of antiquity it is in fact a rare & valuable raw material.

Wow, thank you Kirk, your information give me a more understanding about the display cabinet that I have for a long time. I would never thought it could be a Japanese piece. Since it is an exceptional piece, what would you estimate the price for it. It is all solid wood. I include three new pictures. Again, I really appreciate you information.

I think it's value will be determined largely on it's age. As it is not possible to make an accurate assessment of it's age on the basis of a group of images, & I would generally prefer not to publish anything - anywhere, that I may at any stage in future have to retract, I will have to in this case decline your request. I would (if I were you) contact one of the auctioneers in your area to get a clearer idea of it's fair market value. They are generally quite helpful & should be able to advise you accordingly.

Thank you for your respond Kirk, I really appreciate your help.

in huanghuali, the dark stripes are not very defined as seen in the pictures here. there can be no doubt this is not huanghual.

indeed, not huangxxxxx.....this is persimmon, which i always thought was a dalbergia member....gonna have to research/reacquaint myself. Any way, this is more contemporary than one might think. not a true antique, per se, of 100 years or more, perhaps semi-antique from late 50's or 60's but ot sure till up close and inspect. just the details and general form speak more modern.....

Thank you Ralph,
I really appreciate your comments.

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