noun
wood grain figure; pattern in wood
Refers to the natural decorative pattern or figure in wood, such as grain, burl, or curl. Used in woodworking and carpentry contexts.
このテーブルは杢が美しい。
This table has a beautiful wood grain figure.
木目 refers to the straight grain pattern of wood, while 杢 emphasizes the decorative figure or irregular pattern.
The kanji 杢 is a kokuji (Japanese-created character) combining 木 (tree) and 工 (craft), suggesting a woodworking term. The reading もく is likely derived from the on'yomi of 木.