What makes zitan furniture an “investment”?
Zitan and other similar precious hardwood furniture have always been favorites among furniture connoisseurs, dealers and collectors. Because zitan is so rare, large contemporary furniture made of zitan are almost never seen in today’s market. Examples of antique furniture made of zitan and huanghuali sold at auction provide a glimpse of the value these pieces hold. For example, in 1999 a zitan canopy bed dated early 18th century was estimated to be worth $300,000 to $400,000 at Sotheby’s Asia furniture auction week. A contemporary reproduction of a zitan painting table, produced in 1999, was recently sold at a Sotheby’s auction in Beijing for $55,000. This zitan painting table was crafted by the same artisan we often retain for our pieces.
