|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pernambuco!
The very wood is exciting to the violinist or fiddler. Pernambuco! the
“Brazilwood” applies to wood from several trees of the family
Fabaceae that provides a red dye called brazilin, which oxidizes to
brazilein. The term may spring from brasa, Portuguese for "ember."
Portuguese explorers used the name Pau-Brasil for a dye wood from a
small South American tree (Caesalpinia echinata). Brazil the country
was named for this wood. This tree is also called Pau-de-Pernambuco
or Pau Brazil. “Pau” means wood and Pernambuco is the name of a
small state in Northeast Brazil.
Pau Brazil wood is nominally orange-red, although a number of color
and texture variations exist. Bows labeled as made of Pernambuco or
Brazilwood are both made from this species, with Pernambuco coming
from the inner, denser part of the tree.
15th and 16th century European artisans prized “Brazilwood” as a
source of dye. The wood came from Asia in powder form and was
extremely costly. The red extract dyed luxury textiles, such as velvet.
The structure of the market changed after the Portuguese discovery of
Brazil in 1500. Widespread stands of brazilwood soon supported an
energetic extraction and export market. Piracy and smuggling
countered the crown-granted Portuguese monopoly.
Excessive harvesting destroying perhaps 50 million trees during the
16th and 17th centuries depleted the supply, leading to a collapse of
the industry in the 18th century. Pau Brasil is almost extinct in much of
Brazil, with export regulated under CITES. The International
Pernambuco Conservation Initiative, other organizations, and bow
making companies engage in planting efforts and encourage the use
of alternative woods in bows.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Bow Information
Bow Observations
History of Brazilian Bowmaking
Pernambuco
Bow and Pernambuco Links
|
Bows at Gianna Violins
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
Gianna Violins Maker and seller violin, viola, fiddle, violin case, violin bow, accessories, support, appraisal, restoration, Eastman mandolins & guitars.
By viewing you agree to these policies.
Entire contents Copyright © 2005 Gianna Violins
Gianna Violins™ is a protected trademark used by Gianna Violins in interstate commerce. Publisher does not accept liability for incorrect spelling,
printing errors (including prices), incorrect manufacturer's specifications or changes, or grammatical inaccuracies in any product or technical
information on Gianna Violins’ website, in email communications from Gianna Violins, or in telephone communications. Prices and specifications
subject to change without notice.
|
|
