Ebony is a dense, fine textured hardwood most commonly associated with an almost jet black appearance, sometimes showing subtle reddish or purplish undertones. True ebony comes from several species within the Diospyros genus, a group that also includes the persimmon tree. Only a small number of these species produce the deep black heartwood traditionally associated with ebony, and even then only a minority of individual trees yield uniformly dark material.

The wood is extremely slow growing and trees are often irregular in form, which greatly limits the amount of straight usable timber that can be recovered. This scarcity, combined with historic over exploitation, has made ebony one of the most expensive woods in the world. Many species are now threatened, and genuine antique ebony is particularly prized.

Ebony has a very fine, even texture and an exceptionally high density. Some varieties are heavy enough to sink in water. This density makes the wood challenging to work with hand tools, as it quickly blunts cutting edges and requires careful handling. In return, it takes an outstanding polish and produces a smooth, mirror like finish, making it ideal for turned objects and refined decorative work.

Ebony has been used since antiquity, with carved examples found in Ancient Egyptian tombs. From the sixteenth century onwards it became a luxury cabinet wood in Europe, particularly in Antwerp and Paris, where the makers became known as ébénistes. Its hardness allowed for crisp mouldings, shallow relief carving, and sharply defined details.

Historically and later, ebony has been used for small high quality objects including boxes, instrument cases, scientific apparatus housings, chess pieces, walking sticks, tool handles, and fine inlay work. It has also been widely used in musical instruments for fingerboards, keys, pegs, and fittings where durability and stability are essential.

Despite the wide global distribution of Diospyros species, only a limited number produce true ebony suitable for fine work. This rarity, together with conservation concerns, gives antique ebony objects particular historical and material significance.