Expert Jian Tan has five laws and five laws and three passes
August 14 10:39:20, 2025
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The value of red sandalwood is often compared to jade, and the market is flooded with fakes. Experts have developed five simple rules, known as the "Five Laws and Three Passes," to help distinguish real from fake.
As the saying goes, "rarity makes things valuable." Red sandalwood was heavily mined during the mid-to-late Qing Dynasty, and since then, genuine red sandalwood has become extremely rare. Most large pieces available today are remnants from old furniture being dismantled. Due to its scarcity, the price of red sandalwood remains high—so high, in fact, that it's said to be worth more than gold. This has attracted many investors into the market, leading to an increase in counterfeit products.
For instance, some unscrupulous sellers use calcium carbonate water to treat certain woods, giving them a black or purple color to mimic red sandalwood. Others pass off black rosewood as the real thing. In the furniture industry, this practice is almost an open secret, as black rosewood (L. rosewood) is nearly identical to red sandalwood in weight, color, and texture.
Some so-called "new red sandalwood" sold in Beijing markets is actually Lushi Dalbergia. To help collectors identify authentic red sandalwood, experts have developed five practical methods:
First, observe. Use your eyes or a 10x magnifying glass, which can be easily purchased. The heart of real red sandalwood is reddish-purple or black-purple. True red sandalwood often displays light or dark purple stripes. Its grain is usually twisted, resembling crab claws or cow hair. You may also notice red gum and a sparkling appearance, sometimes with golden spots or silk-like patterns.
Second, test by submerging. Real red sandalwood will sink immediately in water. It does not fade when exposed to water, but if you soak it in wine, it may show color changes.
Third, smell. Genuine red sandalwood has a delicate fragrance, though older logs may lose their scent over time.
Fourth, scratch. When scratched against a white wall, it leaves a purple mark.
Fifth, burn. When burned, real red sandalwood turns to ash, while fake wood becomes carbonized.
These methods, though simple, can greatly aid in identifying authentic red sandalwood. With the market full of imitations, knowledge is key for any collector or buyer.
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