Ebony

Ebony is a dark timber prized for its rich dark finish. An imported product high in demand through the modern world ebony rose in popularity exponentially during the 17th century due to increased access from trade alliances, of which, the Dutch East India Company (VOC) is the most pertinent. Established in 1602, the company caused Amsterdam to become the center of commerce as trade routes to Asia expanded.

The luxury status of Ebony was in part due to the great lengths sailors had to travel. Places along the route to the East indies such as Madagascar, Mauritius, and Sri-Lanka proved to hold a wealth of untapped natural resources. Ebony is slow-growing tree and is known to be technically difficult due to its high density.