Maruku: An Ebony-Related Trade Name for Dark Veneer
Wood Dictionary
Maruku is the trade name under which we offer a dark-colored veneer. The name “Maruku ebony” also appears in the ebony trade. Here we explore the background of the name and what to look for when using the wood on a small decorative surface.
International delivery
For delivery outside Japan, please contact MORI KOUGEI before placing your order. Shipping availability depends on the material’s species and origin, the destination, and any permits or certificates required. Any required permits or certificates must be arranged before dispatch. The CITES listing for Diospyros spp. applies to Madagascar populations; origin and identification must be checked for the material supplied.
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.
Name and basic information
- Trade name
- Maruku MORI KOUGEI A4 Veneer Sheet Product Information
- Related trade name
- Maruku ebony Buddhist Altar Fair Trade Council: Labeling Rules and Appendix
- Scientific name
- The species of the timber sold has not been identified. MORI KOUGEI A4 Veneer Sheet Product Information
- MORI KOUGEI sheet
- A4 (210 × 297 mm); approximately 0.25 mm thick; industrial washi paper backing MORI KOUGEI A4 Veneer Sheet Product Information
Among the trade names for ebony
The Buddhist Altar Fair Trade Council lists Maruku ebony among the common and commercial names for ebony. Such references help explain the names used in Japan's timber trade. They do not, however, botanically identify each of our Maruku sheets with a scientific name in that list. We retain the product's trade name and introduce it as an ebony-related name. Buddhist Altar Fair Trade Council: Labeling Rules and Appendix / MORI KOUGEI A4 Veneer Sheet Product Information
Working with a dark surface
When choosing dark wood, consider its overall depth of color separately from how clearly the grain lines appear. A design that makes prominent lines its focal point will call for a different cutting layout from one that uses the wood as a quiet background. The photograph is only an example; do not assume that the same reddish tones or line arrangement will repeat. MORI KOUGEI A4 Veneer Sheet Product Information
A small area can make good use of dark color: a border or narrow strip beside pale wood, for example, or an outline or shadow within marquetry. When comparing Maruku with Ebony, choose by the colors and lines you want to retain in the piece rather than ranking the materials by name alone.
Working with a paper-backed sheet
Our product is an A4 sheet approximately 0.25 mm thick, combining natural wood veneer with industrial washi paper. It is intended for bonding to a substrate on furniture edges, small objects, marquetry, and similar work. The weight or hardness associated with solid ebony should not be treated as a measure of the strength of this thin sheet. MORI KOUGEI A4 Veneer Sheet Product Information
Prepare a flat substrate and test cutting, adhesion, and finishing on an offcut. When repairing existing furniture, similar trade names do not necessarily mean the colors will match. Compare the actual colors and patterns, and decide on the area to cover and the appearance you want before beginning. MORI KOUGEI A4 Veneer Sheet Product Information
For international orders, please contact us before ordering. Include the material name, quantity and destination in your message.
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This article draws on publicly available sources from Japan and abroad, with AI used to support research and organization.
References
- MORI KOUGEI A4 Veneer Sheet Product Information
- Buddhist Altar Fair Trade Council: Labeling Rules and Appendix