Kingwood

Kingwood is a dense Brazilian hardwood from Dalbergia cearensis. It belongs to the same genus as many woods commonly called rosewood, but is a distinct species.

The wood typically has a warm golden to reddish-brown ground, with fine darker streaks and occasional purplish tones. It is generally lighter in appearance than rosewood and can develop a particularly rich, golden colour with age and polishing. Its strong linear figure and fine texture made it highly prized for veneer, cross-banding and decorative cabinetwork.

Kingwood was particularly popular on late Georgian, William IV and early Victorian boxes, often combined with brass inlay and gilt fittings. Its use became less common as fashions changed during the second half of the nineteenth century.