Tamo Ash
Tamo Ash presents one of nature's most dramatic and mesmerizing figure patterns available in architectural veneer. The surface reveals an extraordinarily complex, three-dimensional landscape of interlocking waves, ripples, and undulating grain formations cascading across the face in warm golden honey and pale champagne tones. The figure — known in the trade as "peanut shell" or "roe" figure — creates a richly tactile visual impression, with highlights and shadows shifting dynamically as viewing angles change. The coloration ranges from creamy blonde to rich warm amber, with subtle variations in tone that add extraordinary depth and movement to the overall composition.
The figuring in this particular leaf is exceptionally dense and consistent, covering the full face with tightly packed, organically shaped formations that suggest the surface of sunlit water or the texture of hammered precious metal. Unlike straighter-grained species, Tamo Ash commands immediate attention — it is a statement material, suited for applications where the veneer itself becomes the focal point of a space. The natural luster of the wood catches light beautifully, lending a luminous, almost three-dimensional quality that photographs simply cannot fully capture.
At Rosebud Veneer and Plywood in Louisville, Kentucky, Tamo Ash is among the most sought-after specialty veneers in our collection, ideal for executive millwork, high-end cabinetry faces, feature wall paneling, custom furniture, and statement reception desks. With thirty years of architectural veneer expertise, our team can help designers and builders source the precise leaf size, figure intensity, and finish specification this remarkable species demands. Contact us today to request samples and experience the depth of Tamo Ash firsthand.
UsesVeneer, musical instruments (drum shells and guitars), fine furniture, marquetry, and other small speciality wood items.Veneer, musical instruments (drum shells and guitars), fine furniture, marquetry, and other small speciality wood items.
SourcesNorthern Asia (China, Korea, Japan, and Russia)
Meta TitleTamo Ash Wood Veneer | Rosebud Veneer
Sheet SizeCall for Available Sizes
Other NamesTamo Ash, Japanese Ash, Manchurian Ash
WorkabilityProduces good results with hand or machine tools. Glues, stains, and finishes well.Produces good results with hand or machine tools. Glues, stains, and finishes well.
AvailabilitySold almost exclusively as veneer, and nearly always with figured grain of some sort. Reportedly quite rare, and in limited supply; most veneer is exported from Japan. Prices are high for an imported veneer and are linked to the degree of figure in the grain: higher figure means higher prices.Sold almost exclusively as veneer, and nearly always with figured grain of some sort. Reportedly quite rare, and in limited supply; most veneer is exported from Japan. Prices are high for an imported veneer and are linked to the degree of figure in the grain: higher figure means higher prices.
Grain TextureGrain is generally straight, though portions with wild/figured grain are commonly sold. With a coarse uneven texture.
CharacteristicsThe heartwood is a light to medium brown color. Sapwood can be very wide, and tends to be a beige or light brown; not always clearly or sharply demarcated from heartwood. Deeply figured grain patterns are possible, sometimes called “peanut” figure, so called because the rotary-sliced veneer has an almost three-dimensional patterning that looks like peanut shells.
Scientific NameFraxinus mandshurica
Price DescriptionGold with contrasting grain and peanut shell figure
Price Raw Wood Veneer8.75
