Zitan, or red sandalwood, is a member of the rosewood family. The wood originates from the tropical forests of southern China, Indonesia and islands in the Indian Ocean. Red sandalwood is an evergreen tree, and grows slowly, reaching 30 feet in height and 10 inches in diameter after 300 years. Because of its extremely slow growth, red sandalwood is only available in limited quantities. The growth rings of a red sandalwood tree are spaced so close together that they are almost impossible to distinguish without magnification. Red sandalwood is extremely dense, and sinks in water. When new, objects made from red sandalwood generally appear purple or reddish in color, but darken over time. Eventually the wood will become almost black, and the grain becomes virtually invisible. The subtle texture and coloring of aged red sandalwood wood are fascinating.

From the very ancient times, dating as early as the 3rd century in "Explanation and Ancient and Modern Matters," Chinese have considered red sandalwood the most precious wood. Because of the particular scarcity of large red sandalwood trees, large pieces furniture are exceptional treasures.

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