Finding Bamboo That's 800 Years Old

A large proportion of the Earth's natural rainforest is gone because of urbanization, land development and deforestation. We need trees to provide for our basic needs - paper, tissue, furniture, fabric, medicine, etc but the cost of that is the death of our natural resources. Many companies and organizations have launched "save the rainforest" projects by distributing tree seedlings and then planting them, in the hopes that it shall grow tall to replace the lost ones. However, trees take too long to mature. Some trees would take years, if not, decades, to become a completely mature plant.


The durability of the bamboo over time is demonstrated by the recent discovery of an 800-year old bamboo in a shipwreck. The Natural Research Institute of Maritime Cultural Heritage had set up an expedition team to search for relics in a shipwreck near the Taen's Mado island off the coast of South Chungcheong Province. The team retrieved about 1,400 relics, including mokgan or wooden bamboo labels containing information about the items on board the ship. Recorded invoices were found, containing information about cargo's shipping and departure times, its various destinations and recipients, and the type and number of shipments onboard. This marked the significant discovery of the use of bamboo tabs during the Goryeo era of Korea. Records have indicated that the shipwreck happened while delivering grains, fish sauce and porcelain ware to general who lived in Gaegyong, North Korea.

Unlike trees, bamboos are a different sort. Yes, they may look like trees, because they are tall, flexible, and sturdy. However, bamboos are members of the grass species, and like a weed, it is easy for them to just sprout and grow, untended and uncared for. Bamboos grow steadily fast, and mature quickly and easily renewable - characteristics which tree plants do not normally have. Thus, bamboos can be a perfect substitute for wood. A bamboo plant is not only an environment-friendly alternative for wood, but it also brings with it many industrial purposes, both in design and engineering.

Recently, many companies have been using bamboo as furniture. Bamboo furniture is a unique design for the office, house or business establishment. Its flexible and pliant nature makes it easy to sculpt and mold the bamboo into table, couch, or window blinds. Having bamboo furniture gives a natural, earthy feel to one's room space. It also sits well with an Oriental or Asian-inspired theme to the interior decorations, such as bamboo blinds, slits, natural candles or natural wax candles, bamboo water fountains and bamboo frames.

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