Opening ceremony of SJ Luxury Collezione at Eko Galleria, Taman Botani, in Iskandar Puteri.
COLLECTORS and connoisseurs of Chinese rosewood furniture in Malaysia can look forward to expanding their collections with the opening of SJ Luxury Collezione in Iskandar Puteri, Johor.
The Ming Dynasty-inspired designs feature elaborate carving and inlay work, highlighting the wood’s natural reddish colour.
“Chinese rosewood furniture is sought after by collectors, enthusiasts, home decorators and those seeking quality furniture all over the world,” said SJ Luxury Collezione Sdn Bhd managing director (operations) Li Shao Hong at the opening of the showroom at Eko Galleria, Taman Eko Botani.
Having been in the business for over 30 years, Li is an expert in rosewood furniture.
SJ Luxury Collezione is a member company of Fefco Fine Home Furniture founded in Singapore in 1954, and specialises in the design and manufacture of rosewood furniture.
The Singapore-headquartered Fefco also has Chinese rosewood furniture showrooms in Kunming and Shanghai, China.
Its Johor outlet is the company’s first in Malaysia.
It specialises in custom Chinese rosewood furniture hand-made by craftsmen in Suzhou, China.
Lim (left) and Li at the outlet which specialises in manufacturing custom Chinese rosewood furniture.
“Suzhou has a deep and important historical connection to rosewood due to its role in fine furniture making,” said Li.
Chinese rosewood trees, such as the prized huanghuali (Dalbergia odorifera), are native to southern China – particularly Hainan, Guangdong and Fujian.
Li said Suzhou craftsmanship was renowned for its intricate woodwork and was considered one of the three main styles of traditional Chinese furniture, alongside Beijing and Canton.
“For centuries, artisans in Suzhou have used rosewood and other fine woods for crafting everything from large furniture sets to smaller sculptures and musical instruments.”
Li explained that the furniture pieces were made using joinery and dowels to create strong, durable structures without relying on the use of nails or glue – a hallmark of Chinese rosewood furniture craftsmanship.
He said the pieces were prized for their natural beauty and elegant lines and often has elaborate carvings and inlay work.
SJ Luxury Collezione business development manager John Lim said rosewood furniture was considered a significant part of Chinese handicraft culture and highly sought after by collectors for their historical and artistic value.
He said the company’s Johor Baru outlet carried an extensive range of rosewood furniture and paraphernalia for customers looking for high-quality furniture.
“Those who appreciate historical craftsmanship, unique materials and cultural significance will find this furniture valuable,” said Lim.
SJ Luxury Collezione is located at A0126, Blok A, Eko Galleria, Jalan Eko Botani 3, Taman Eko Botani.
It is open daily, 11am to 8pm. For details, call 07-585 6833 or 012-283 6282.
