Macassar ebony (Diospyros celebica) is named after its main exporting seaport on the Indonesian island of Celebes (today Sulawesi). Ebony is a popular trade name given to all species of Diospyros, that have black heartwood. This wood, also called Coromandel or Calamander ebony is more variegated and referred to as a 'coloured ebony'. The trees usually are not thick and often discoloured, so Macassar ebony is one of the most prized woods in the trade today, available only in restricted amounts. In the 1920s Macassar was one of the leading art nouveau and art deco wood, yielding terrific effects with highly decorative polished veneers! The wood is quite hard, dense and heavy but works well with sharp tools and and finishes very well. As a carving and turning wood, Macassar ebony is a definite favourite.
