Satin Sycamore: Curly Figure in Pale Anigre

Wood Dictionary

Satin Sycamore is the trade name for Silverheart, or anigre, with wavy, curly figure. Its appeal is the changing pattern within a pale color. Think of the name as describing the figure on the wood's surface rather than a different species. Hoxan: Satin Sycamore / MORI KOUGEI Satin Sycamore A4 Veneer Sheet

Example of Satin Sycamore A4 veneer (figured grain)

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 and English name: Satin Sycamore / Figured Anigre MORI KOUGEI Satin Sycamore A4 Veneer Sheet / Hoxan: Satin Sycamore
Related timber names: Silverheart, Anigre Hoxan: Silverheart / Hoxan: Satin Sycamore
General classification: Anigre woods / Sapotaceae Hoxan: Silverheart / Kew Aningeria altissima
Origin of the supplied timber: Africa (timber supplied by Hoxan)
Reference air-dry specific gravity: 0.55 (Hoxan's general reference value for the timber, not a measurement of the complete paper-backed sheet.) Hoxan: Satin Sycamore
A4 veneer cut: Quarter cut MORI KOUGEI Satin Sycamore A4 Veneer Sheet

Wavy character added to Silverheart

Hoxan lists Silverheart as Anigre and Satin Sycamore as Anigre, Figured. The latter name is given to Silverheart displaying wavy, curly figure. MORI KOUGEI's Satin Sycamore is African timber sourced from Hoxan. Although the colors are related, the choice changes depending on whether you want to emphasize figure or the flow of the grain. Hoxan: Silverheart / Hoxan: Satin Sycamore / MORI KOUGEI Satin Sycamore A4 Veneer Sheet

Pale color and curly figure

The wood is generally yellowish white to light brown. The fineness, spacing, and extent of the curl differ from sheet to sheet, so look for variation across the surface rather than expecting evenly repeated waves. Figure can add character to a mostly pale piece or to a surface where you do not want to introduce a strong color. Hoxan: Satin Sycamore / MORI KOUGEI Satin Sycamore A4 Veneer Sheet

You might show the figure over a continuous area, such as a small box lid or part of a frame, or use a narrow strip beside wood with quieter grain. The size of the cut piece changes the number and grouping of the waves that remain. Lay a paper template over the veneer first, then consider how the figure spreads when viewed in the object's intended orientation.

A different wood from White Sycamore

Although its trade name includes “sycamore,” the wood discussed here is anigre in the Sapotaceae family. Hoxan also describes it as a substitute for White Sycamore. Keeping visual similarity and similar uses separate from botanical identity makes these related-looking names easier to navigate. Hoxan: Satin Sycamore / Kew Aningeria altissima

Quarter cut and curly figure describe different features

MORI KOUGEI's A4 Satin Sycamore is a quarter-cut product. Quarter cut describes grain associated with the cutting method, while curl describes figure visible on that surface. A quarter-cut sheet need not display only straight lines. Looking at the grain flow and the wavy figure together gives a clearer picture of the material. MORI KOUGEI Satin Sycamore A4 Veneer Sheet / Columbia Forest Products Wood Species 101 / Hoxan: Satin Sycamore

Working with an A4 sheet

The product measures 210 × 297 mm and is approximately 0.25 mm thick, with industrial washi paper backing on natural wood veneer. It is a decorative facing for furniture edges, repairs to flat wooden surfaces, marquetry, and similar uses. Pale veneer may allow the substrate's color or pattern to show through, so test the combination on an offcut. MORI KOUGEI Satin Sycamore A4 Veneer Sheet

To make the most of the figure, plan the area needed for the project and the position of the pattern you want to retain. Test the adhesive and finish as well, and compare the sheet with ordinary Silverheart to choose the character you want to bring into the piece. MORI KOUGEI Satin Sycamore A4 Veneer Sheet

View the Satin Sycamore 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.

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