Why we choose sheesham wood and how its natural patina deepens with age.
Sheesham - known botanically as Dalbergia sissoo - is one of the great hardwoods of the Indian subcontinent. It has been used for furniture, musical instruments, and architectural elements for thousands of years. And yet, in the rush toward cheaper materials and faster production, it has been largely forgotten by the mainstream furniture industry.
We chose sheesham for a simple reason: it is honest. The grain is complex and varied, ranging from straight to interlocked, with a natural lustre that deepens over time. No two pieces of sheesham are alike. Each plank carries the record of the tree's life - the years of drought and plenty, the direction of the prevailing wind, the particular quality of the soil.
Sheesham is also exceptionally durable. It is naturally resistant to termites and decay, which is why it has been used in India for centuries without the need for chemical treatments. A well-made piece of sheesham furniture, properly cared for, will outlast its owner.
The patina of sheesham is one of its most remarkable qualities. When first cut, the wood is a warm golden-brown. Over years of use and exposure to light, it deepens to a rich, dark honey colour. The surface develops a subtle sheen that no factory finish can replicate - it comes only from the oils in the wood itself, slowly rising to the surface.
We source our sheesham from sustainably managed forests in northern India, working with suppliers who replant for every tree they harvest. We believe that the materials we use should be as honest as the furniture we make from them.
By The Gaze Studio
Crafting furniture that tells its own story, one piece at a time.
