exotic imported wood; tropical hardwood
Refers to high-quality woods imported from overseas, especially from Southeast Asia, such as rosewood, ebony, and blackwood, often used in furniture and crafts.
This furniture is made of exotic imported wood.
唐木の床材は高級感があります。
Exotic hardwood flooring gives a luxurious feel.
From 唐 (kara, 'foreign', especially China or overseas) + 木 (ki, 'wood'). The term historically referred to woods imported via China, but now broadly covers exotic hardwoods from tropical regions.