Thursday, August 6, 2009

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Kamagong Atbp



Hardwood Furniture Exhibit, Philippine Heart Center Lobby, May 2009

Kamagong Bed (queen)

Molave


Molave (Vitex Parviflora) is a light-colored, tough hardwood. It is straight or wavy grained; a highly-prized timber known to be impervious to termite attacks.

Molave is one of the most widely used woods in the Philippines. It is much sought-after for use in high-grade construction, where both strength and durability are required.

Molave is a popular choice in shipbuilding. It was commonly used as load-bearing posts in pre-war Spanish-type houses. It was also widely used as railroad tracks and paving blocks. Molave makes for handsome carvings, sculpture, doors and windows as well as baluster. Its function as furniture, Molave never ceases to attract attention. It is also known as MULAWIN.

Narra


Narra (Pterocarpus Indicus) is also famous under the name Philippine Mahogany, or red sandalwood. Narra’s interlocked and sometimes wavy grain, and the rich spectrum of colors (red or rose, often variegated with yellow) makes Narra comfortably functional and stunningly beautiful.

Narra, a tropical hardwood, is much sought-after for its utility, aesthetic value, hardiness, and tolerance. Popularly used as high-end furniture, it is likewise used as wall panels and flooring. The smooth surface can take a fine shine with polishing; the low shrinkage minimizes warping. Narra is highly resistant to termites and wood borers.

All attributes combined, history has made Narra its unanimous choice as the Philippines’ National Tree.

Kamagong


There are many types of wood in the Philippines, the most expensive and hardest to find and produce is Kamagong, or “Iron Wood”. Wood cutters often shy away from a fully matured Kamagong tree because they say that with a brand new chainsaw, you can only cut two fully grown trees at most before the tree ruins your chainsaw.

The Kamagong or Mabolo (Diospyros Philippinensis) is prized for its excellent dark wood. It is also known as Philippine Ebony or Black Ivory.

Considered as one of the top five prized timber in the world, Kamagong is an exotic wood known for its beauty and durability. Nearly indestructible, this wood was used in ancient times to make weapons such as knives and swords. It is said that somewhere 100 years, the wood becomes totally black.

KAMAGONG. Increasingly difficult to find, Kamagong is a real treasure to own, an excellent addition to any fine home. Each piece an heirloom worthy to pass on to the next generations!