East Indian Rosewood (Sheesham)
Dalbergia sissoo / Dalbergia latifolia • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Interlocked, often creating a slightly ribbon-striped figure; coarse texture with large pores visible under the thick finish.
Color Description
Golden to deep reddish brown with dark streaks and occasional purplish hues. Heartwood darkens significantly with age and oxidation under the finish.
Hardness Rating
Approx. 1,600 lbf to 2,400 lbf; Hard to Very Hard.
Durability Rating
Very Durable. High natural resistance to termite attack and excellent decay resistance in exterior or humid environments.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, fine cabinetry, musical instruments (especially guitars), turned objects, and decorative religious items or carvings.
Geographic Origin
Native to the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$25 - $45 per board foot for high-quality lumber/blanks.
Wood Age Estimate
20-40 years. The thick, slightly ambered topcoat and wear on the turned spindles suggest a vintage mid-to-late 20th-century piece.
Sustainability Status
All Dalbergia species are currently CITES Appendix II listed. IUCN Red List status: Vulnerable (D. latifolia) or Least Concern (D. sissoo).
Workability
Challenging due to high density and interlocked grain which can cause tearout. Glues and finishes well, though natural oils can occasionally inhibit drying of specific finishes.
Notable Features
Distinctive rose-like scent when freshly cut. High natural oil content and excellent resonant properties for acoustic applications.
Finish Recommendations
Usually finished with oil-based varnishes, lacquer, or traditional shellac (French Polish) to enhance the deep color and grain.
Identification Confidence
Medium. While the dark reddish-brown color, coarse grain, and context of the ornate Indian-style carving strongly suggest Sheesham/Rosewood, the thick dark finish obscures fine anatomical details.