Ebony: Deep Dark Tones and a Fine Wood Texture
WOOD DICTIONARY
Ebony is known for deep black tones and dark stripes. Even an apparently black surface contains lines and tonal changes distinctive to wood. A small piece of veneer can reveal a character quite different from a solid coat of black paint.
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.
Names and basic facts
- Name
- Kokutan (Japanese trade name) / Ebony Hokusan: Ebony
- General classification
- A trade name covering several species of Diospyros in the Ebenaceae (persimmon) family Hokusan: Ebony / Kew Diospyros
- Species of the wood offered
- Not identified as a single species MORI KOUGEI: A4 Veneer Sheet Product Information
- MORI KOUGEI sheet
- A4 (210 × 297 mm), approximately 0.25 mm thick, backed with industrial washi paper MORI KOUGEI: A4 Veneer Sheet Product Information
Ebony as a timber name
Ebony, called kokutan in Japanese, is a timber name that does not always identify just one botanical species. Various trees of the genus Diospyros in the persimmon family are traded under this name. They belong to the same genus as edible persimmons, but the fruit tree and ebony timber should not be understood as the same product. Hokusan: Ebony / Kew Diospyros
This article introduces the general characteristics associated with the ebony trade name. It does not identify a species or origin by black color alone, or assign a particular scientific name to the wood offered for sale. Rather than beginning with fine botanical distinctions, it may be more useful to consider the character you want a dark wood to bring to your work. MORI KOUGEI: A4 Veneer Sheet Product Information
More than a uniform black
Hokusan describes ebony sapwood as often grayish white, while the heartwood may be black or, in some species, striped in pink and black. Fine texture and growth rings that are difficult to distinguish are also characteristic. The name ebony therefore need not imply that every piece will be uniformly jet black. Hokusan: Ebony
A broad area of dark wood can create a restrained effect, while a narrow band or edging against pale wood emphasizes an outline. In marquetry, consider its role as a background, shadow, or dividing line. Using boldly lined and quieter areas differently allows wood sold under one name to serve several visual purposes within a piece.
A heavy timber in a thin decorative form
Solid ebony is generally described as heavy and hard, but those properties should be considered separately from the handling of thin veneer. Our A4 product is approximately 0.25 mm thick and consists of natural wood backed with industrial washi paper. As a thin surface material, it can be used on furniture edges, to decorate small objects, and in marquetry. Provide a separate, suitable substrate for cores or structural parts that require strength. Hokusan: Ebony / MORI KOUGEI: A4 Veneer Sheet Product Information
Even for small components, try the required shape in paper first, then check grain direction and the cutting position before you begin. Prepare a flat surface and test adhesives and coatings on an offcut. Rather than rushing to a finish, decide how much of the wood’s character you want to retain in the dark surface; that will help guide your material choices. 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.
Sources
- MORI KOUGEI: A4 Veneer Sheet Product Information
- Hokusan: Ebony
- Kew Diospyros