East Indian Rosewood (Sheesham)
Dalbergia sissoo • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Interlocked grain with a medium to coarse texture. Often shows straight to slightly wavy patterns in carved furniture components; exhibits characteristic longitudinal streaks.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from golden brown to deep 'chestnut' brown with darker streaks. The sample shows a dark, likely stained finish to mimic old-world mahogany or rosewood, which typically deepens and mellows to a dark reddish-brown over time.
Hardness Rating
1,660 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to termites and offers excellent decay resistance for indoor and outdoor use.
Common Uses
Traditional furniture, panelling, fine cabinetry, carvings, musical instruments (especially guitar bodies), and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Native to the Indian Subcontinent (India, Pakistan, Nepal) and Southern Iran.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$15.00 - $25.00 per board foot for high-quality lumber; higher for finished antique or artisanal pieces.
Wood Age Estimate
20-40 years based on the style of the joinery, the type of heavy opaque stain/finish applied, and visible wear on the spindles.
Sustainability Status
Listed in CITES Appendix II (as part of the Dalbergia genus) but widely cultivated on plantations; generally considered more sustainable than Brazilian Rosewood.
Workability
Generally works well with hand and machine tools, though interlocked grain can cause tearout during planing. Glues and finishes well, though high natural oil content can occasionally require surface preparation before lacquering.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, rose-like scent when freshly cut. High natural oil content and excellent resonant properties for acoustics. It is known for its high tensile strength and weight.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for oil-based finishes, polyurethane, or wax. Heavy stains are often used (as seen in the sample) to even out the color between sapwood and heartwood.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High. The combination of the spindle-turning style, the dark 'chestnut' stained finish, and the heavy, dense appearance of the post is characteristic of Anglo-Indian or Pakistani Sheesham furniture.