Japanese Ash (Sen or Tamo Ash)
Fraxinus mandshurica • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Strong cathedral grain and wavy patterns typical of flat-sawing. Ring-porous structure creates prominent, coarse-textured lines and distinct summerwood/winterwood contrast.
Color Description
Heartwood is a light to medium brown with a yellowish-honey hue. Sapwood is typically wide and creamy white. It has a moderate natural luster and develops a deeper golden patina over time.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium Hardness)
Durability Rating
Perishable to Slightly Durable. Poor resistance to rot and insect attack; restricted primarily to indoor use.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, interior trim, veneer, and plywood. Highly valued for Japanese decorative crafts and traditional furniture.
Geographic Origin
Northeast Asia, specifically Japan, Eastern Russia, Northern China, and Korea.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
6.00 to 12.00 USD per board foot depending on figure (Tamo figure can be significantly more expensive).
Wood Age Estimate
Secondary growth or plantation harvested; the finished surface suggests a contemporary piece of furniture (less than 20 years old).
Sustainability Status
Near Threatened (IUCN Red List) due to habitat loss and overexploitation; FSC certification is available but less common than European or American Ash.
Workability
Generally good with hand and machine tools, though the strong latewood rings can cause some vibration during machining. Glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive large pores; no characteristic scent. It is lighter in weight than its North American cousin (White Ash) but possesses similar aesthetic grain characteristics.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or lacquer to protect the open grain; often stained or 'pickled' to highlight the cathedral texture. Paste wood filler can be used for a glass-smooth finish.
Identification Confidence
High. The combination of the deep, ring-porous cathedral grain, the specific honey-brown coloration, and the context of the nearby ceramics strongly indicate a Japanese Ash (Tamo/Sen) tabletop.