Cross-section of an unprocessed piece of ebony wood
Ebony is a dense black/brownhardwood, coming from several species in the genusDiospyros, which also includes thepersimmon tree. A fewDiospyros species, such as macassar and mun ebony, are dense enough to sink in water. Ebony is finely textured and has a mirror finish when polished, making it valuable as an ornamental wood.[1] It is often cited as one of the most expensive woods in the world.
Ebony label depicting the pharaohDen, found in his tomb inAbydos, circa 3000 BC
Ebony has a long history of use, and carved pieces have been found inAncient Egyptian tombs.[3]
By the end of the 16th century, fine cabinets for the luxury trade were made of ebony inAntwerp. The wood's dense hardness lent itself to refined moldings framing finely detailed pictorial panels with carving in very low relief (bas-relief), usually of allegorical subjects, or with scenes taken from classical or Christian history. Within a short time, such cabinets were also being made inParis, where their makers became known asébénistes, which remains the French term for a cabinetmaker.
Elephant carvings from Sri Lanka, probably Gabon ebony (D. crassiflora)
Traditionally, blackchess pieces were made from ebony, withboxwood orivory being used for the white pieces. Modern East Midlands-style lace-makingbobbins, also being small, are often made of ebony and look particularly decorative when bound with brass or silver wire. Some expensivehandgun grips andrifle fore-end tips are still made of ebony, as are thebutts of pool cues.
As a result of unsustainable harvesting, many species yielding ebony are now considered threatened. Most indigenous ebony in Africa in particular has beencut down illegally.
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