Ginkgo wood furniture is rarely seen due to the rarity of the ginkgo tree itself. The ginkgo tree, also known as the maidenhair tree, is a unique species that has been around for over 270 million years, making it one of the oldest living tree species on Earth. Its wood is prized for its durability, unique grain patterns, and resistance to decay. However, there are several reasons why ginkgo wood furniture is not as common as other types of wood furniture.

Firstly, the ginkgo tree is not widely cultivated for timber production. Unlike other hardwoods like oak or maple, ginkgo trees are not commonly planted for their wood. This is partly due to the tree's slow growth rate; it can take up to 20 years for a ginkgo tree to reach maturity. Additionally, the ginkgo tree is not native to many regions, which limits its availability as a source of wood. According to the United States Forest Service, there are only about 10,000 ginkgo trees in the United States, with the majority located in urban areas.

Secondly, the ginkgo tree has a limited lifespan. While it can live for several centuries, the average age of a ginkgo tree is around 250 years. This means that there is a limited supply of ginkgo wood available for furniture production. The demand for ginkgo wood furniture is also relatively low compared to other types of wood, which further contributes to its rarity.

Furthermore, the harvesting and processing of ginkgo wood can be challenging. Ginkgo trees are not typically harvested for their wood, so the wood that is available is often salvaged from fallen trees or from trees that have been removed for urban development. This means that the supply of ginkgo wood is irregular and unpredictable. Additionally, the wood is quite hard and dense, which makes it difficult to work with. These factors contribute to the higher cost of ginkgo wood furniture, making it less accessible to the general public.

In conclusion, ginkgo wood furniture is rare due to the limited availability of ginkgo trees, their slow growth rate, and the challenges associated with harvesting and processing the wood. The unique characteristics of ginkgo wood, such as its durability and aesthetic appeal, make it a desirable material for furniture, but the factors mentioned above contribute to its scarcity in the market.