Names and distribution: The Japanese sickle fir, botanically Cryptomeria japonica, belongs to the yew family(Taxodiaceae) and is naturally widespread in Japan, especially on Hondo. Trade names are Sugi (Japan), Liu-San (China) and Japanese Cedar. Sugi is the national tree of Japan. The tree is cultivated on a large scale in Japan and occasionally in Europe. Sugi is of great economic importance in Japan. Trunks reach a top height of 70m, are clean up to 30m at max. Diameter of 2 meters. Largest tree in East Asia, cylindrical and well-formed.
Wood appearance: Heartwood reddish brown, sapwood yellowish white. Latewood dark and sharply defined to the new growth ring. Resin canals are missing, fine and numerous medullary rays that give a rift cut an appealing sheen. Wood is straight-grained and homogeneous in structure. Simple to decorative.
Properties: The specific weight at a wood moisture content of 12% is given as 0.34 t/cbm (in comparison Yew: 0.59 t/m³, Thuja: 0.34 t/m³, Sequoia: 0.37 t/m³). The swelling and shrinkage values are given as radial 3.9% and tangential 4.8%. Drying is unproblematic. Can be worked well in all directions, especially good for turning. Smooth and shiny surfaces are created. Moderate bending stiffness, medium hardness, good natural durability, aromatic.
Use: popular construction wood in Japan, valued for its natural durability, also special wood for sculptures, furniture making, tonewood, extract wood (essential oils), special application: Shou Sugi Ban = further increase in durability esp. of the sapwood through flame treatment/heating, desired effect: black-silvery patina
| Sources: |
GOTTWALD (1970) Wood identification of the most important commercial timbers WAGENFÜHR (1996) Wood atlas |
