Kaede: Maple Names and Figure in Pale Wood
WOOD DICTIONARY
Some kaede maple wood offers pale tones and figure that seems to emerge in the light. MORI KOUGEI’s kaede A4 product is figured veneer. This article begins with the question of how kaede relates to maple, then explores ways to choose and arrange its pattern.
The photographs are examples of the color and grain associated with each wood or figure. Every piece of natural wood is different; the sheet you receive will not have exactly the same color or grain as the photographs.
Names and basic facts
- Trade name and English name
- Kaede / Maple MORI KOUGEI: Kaede (Maple) A4 Veneer Sheet / Hokkaido Research Organization, Forest Products Research Institute: Itaya-kaede
- Classification
- Acer, the maple genus, in the Sapindaceae family; formerly Aceraceae. Hokkaido Research Organization, Forest Products Research Institute: Itaya-kaede / Kew POWO: Sapindaceae
- Species of the wood offered
- The individual species is not identified. General descriptions of itaya-kaede and other maples are distinct from identifying the wood offered. MORI KOUGEI: Kaede (Maple) A4 Veneer Sheet
- Grain category offered
- Figured grain. The particular type of figure varies with the material. MORI KOUGEI: Kaede (Maple) A4 Veneer Sheet
Maple is the English name for kaede trees
Maple is the English name for trees of the genus Acer. Itaya-kaede is a representative Japanese timber in this group and belongs to the same genus as North American maples. Acer contains many species, however, so similar trade names do not mean identical color or wood properties. Hokkaido Research Organization, Forest Products Research Institute: Itaya-kaede / Kew POWO: Sapindaceae
This MORI KOUGEI product is figured wood sold as kaede. The frequent appearance of itaya-kaede in general timber descriptions is not a reason to assign its scientific name to the product. Instead, the descriptions of texture and figure provide useful points to consider when selecting the material. MORI KOUGEI: Kaede (Maple) A4 Veneer Sheet / Hokkaido Research Organization, Forest Products Research Institute: Itaya-kaede
Silky luster and varied figure
Itaya-kaede wood generally ranges from reddish white to pale reddish brown. The distinction between heartwood and sapwood and the lines of the growth rings are relatively subdued, while its dense, fine texture has luster. Figures include small eye-like birdseyes and wavy patterns, valued in craftwork and decorative materials. Hokkaido Research Organization, Forest Products Research Institute: Itaya-kaede
“Figured” describes wood with a distinctive pattern; it does not guarantee one particular type. Names such as birdseye and curly should be used according to the figure actually present. That is why this kaede is not automatically placed in the same category as separately named products such as birdseye maple. Hokkaido Research Organization, Forest Products Research Institute: Itaya-kaede / MORI KOUGEI: Kaede (Maple) A4 Veneer Sheet
From tools to a conference table
Solid itaya-kaede is used for flooring, sports equipment, and instrument components, making use of its hardness and toughness. At the 2008 Hokkaido Toyako Summit, itaya-kaede from Hiyama was used for the round conference table and chairs. Pale wood, too, has a history of taking a central role in furniture. Hokkaido Research Organization, Forest Products Research Institute: Itaya-kaede
Small pieces of figure or one continuous surface?
The A4 sheet measures 210 × 297 mm and is approximately 0.25 mm thick, with natural wood backed by industrial washi paper. It can be used for furniture edges, repairs or resurfacing of flat wooden areas, and marquetry. The hardness and uses of solid timber described here do not guarantee scratch resistance or structural performance in a thin sheet. MORI KOUGEI: Kaede (Maple) A4 Veneer Sheet / Hokkaido Research Organization, Forest Products Research Institute: Itaya-kaede
The scale of pattern you need changes depending on whether figure will dominate a large surface or form one small piece of inlay. Decide the intended use and cutting dimensions first. Because the substrate’s color may show through pale wood, test the adhesive and finish on a small area before proceeding. MORI KOUGEI: Kaede (Maple) A4 Veneer Sheet
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This article draws on publicly available sources from Japan and abroad, with AI used to support research and organization.