The shelves are made from Paulownia wood - Japanese Kirk - a fast growing hardwood known for its beautiful grain and light weight wood, extremely strong and water resistant.  Yes, I had to google it.  I am conflicted about these shelves.  The price for these is fantastic, the Paulownia wood is resistant to splitting, that being said, they are very light weight, I guess I was thinking it would FEEL substantial which it doesn’t as it is so light weight.  I didn’t have a choice as to color, so I will be putting a dark stain on these before I hang them on my wall.  Due to the price point, I am keeping.  Hope they will wear well.  No picture to give you folks as I haven’t finished with them yet.