A Collector’s Record: Tested at 16.8g! Why This ‘Wealth’ Domestic Old-Growth Agarwood is Worthy of Heirloom Collection?

Having been in the agarwood export business for over twenty years, I have handled countless pieces of agarwood. In today’s market, where Huian and Xingzhou varieties dominate, every encounter with authentic ‘Domestic Old-Growth’ material feels like a reunion with an old friend.

I still remember the afternoon I received this pendant; it was drizzling outside. When I placed it on a precision electronic scale, the red numbers instantly froze at 16.8 grams. At that moment, my heart skipped a beat—to have such a ‘hand-pressing’ weight in such a compact size is no ordinary feat! It is more than just an accessory; it is a fragment of Chinese fragrance culture sealed by time. The warmth and density felt at my fingertips, accompanied by the refreshing sweet medicinal scent, immediately convinced me: this is a genuine ‘Kai Men’ (authentic) vintage piece, representing the final stand of wild materials from China’s production regions (Hainan and Guangdong).

Material Identification: The ‘Black Gold’ Legend Under a Macro Lens

In the world of Agarwood, amateurs look at appearances, while experts look for ‘Black Gold.’ Although the market is flooded with ‘oil-soaked’ fakes that are pitch black, they have form without soul. The ‘black’ of true domestic old-growth material is fluid and alive.

Under a 100x macro lens, this 16.8-gram pendant reveals its annual rings of time: the originally loose wood vessels have long been filled with deep brown carbonized resin, forming a mesmerizing interwoven texture of ‘black and gold.’ These thread-like and block-like resin distributions are not stiff or forced like high-pressure artificial oil injection; rather, they are natural landscape paintings formed as the resin seeped and accumulated along the wood grain over decades of wind and rain.

When held, you will be surprised by its wood density, completely devoid of the roughness and lightness of new material. Its surface has developed a thick natural patina, a jade-like glow that represents the ‘removal of raw fire’ gifted by time. This kind of oil-rich old material requires no intentional buffing; simply wearing it allows your body heat to make it more oily and lustrous, as if it is in a silent dialogue with you.

Exquisite Craftsmanship: The ‘Bai Cai’ Philosophy of Cherishing Material

In the agarwood circle, fine material is often ruined by poor workmanship, and domestic old-growth material, with its high price per gram, is especially vulnerable to waste. Facing such a uniquely blessed raw material, the carver’s choices were extremely restrained and respectful. Instead of cutting away edges for industrial symmetry, he adopted a high-difficulty natural-form art approach, creating in harmony with the wood’s natural shape.

At the visual core, a three-dimensional fine-work round carving technique was used. See how the cabbage (Bai Cai) shape is lifelike, with naturally curling leaf veins and clear root textures, symbolizing the gathering of ‘Hundred Wealth’ while aligning with the literati’s ideal of ‘purity.’ Most brilliantly, every stroke of the carving seems to follow the resin lines, maximizing the retention of the agarwood’s original weight (16.8g) and tension. This makes the ‘Bai Cai’ appear to have grown naturally from the wood rather than being carved onto it, truly achieving a mastery where material and art become one.

The Soul of Scent: The Irreplaceable Legacy of Hainan

If the density of 16.8 grams is its skeleton, then the scent is its soul. Originating from Hainan (or high-quality coastal regions of Guangdong), its fragrance is the typical ‘Crown of National Fragrances,’ worlds apart from the intense profile of the common Xingzhou series.

When worn, warmed by body temperature, you experience a feast for the senses—the signature ‘Clear, Sweet, and Cool’ trinity of domestic agarwood. Initially, the nose is brushed by distinct notes of honey and flowers, a scent so pure and fresh without a hint of fishiness or dryness. Upon deeper reflection, the middle notes reveal bursts of coolness that reach the lungs, as if standing in a forest after rain; the mint-like transparency clears the mind. The lingering base note on the collar is accompanied by a mellow medicinal scent, long and enduring. This highly penetrative and layered aroma is an olfactory luxury that no modern industrial perfume can match; it is truly the ‘Chief of All Fragrances.’

Expert’s Message: An Heirloom That Becomes Rarer with Each Piece Found

Agarwood is obtainable, but old-growth material is rare. A domestic old-growth piece reaching a weight of 16.8 grams, overflowing with oil and possessing a pure fragrance, is already a ‘can-only-be-encountered-not-sought’ unique item in today’s market. It is not just an elegant object to showcase status, but a cultural asset that this generation can leave for posterity.

If you are also a lover of fragrance, or want to see for yourself how shocking this ‘Black Gold under Macro’ truly is, please contact me now. I have specially recorded a 4K high-definition appreciation video, allowing you to smell that ‘Sweet, Clear, and Cool’ right through the screen. Fine items do not wait; even if it is just for exchange and appreciation, I am willing to open this door to the world of top-tier agarwood for you.

FAQs

Q.Why is this 16.8g domestic old-growth agarwood better than imported agarwood of the same price?

A.The core lies in ‘scarcity’ and ‘cultural identity.’ Domestic agarwood (especially Hainan) resources are nearly depleted, making it a non-renewable resource where ‘every piece sold is one less available.’ While you might buy a larger piece of Xingzhou (e.g., Indonesian) agarwood for the same price, the pedigree and collectible value of domestic old-growth are much higher. More importantly, its unique ‘Sweet, Clear, and Cool’ scent is an olfactory experience that no imported region can replicate.

Q.How should I maintain this ‘Bai Cai’ pendant to maintain its patina during daily wear?

A.Although called ‘oil of decayed wood,’ agarwood is actually delicate. The way to maintain it is through ‘human nourishment’: 1. Avoid chemicals: strictly forbid contact with perfume, shampoo, or detergents, as chemicals corrode precious oils. 2. Avoid extreme environments: avoid prolonged sun exposure or overly humid places. 3. Wear it against the skin: this pendant is rich in oil; daily contact with the skin is best, as the trace oils secreted by the human body are the best maintenance. If bathing or sweating heavily, remove it and wipe gently with a clean cotton cloth; it will become more lustrous the more it is worn.

Q.How can I judge the authenticity of the resin through macro observation?

A.The resin of true agarwood ‘grows’ within the wood. Under high magnification, true oil lines **permeate along the wood vessels**, appearing thread-like or block-like with natural diffusion at the edges and varying depths. Fake agarwood (artificially treated) is usually solid black without layers, or the oil lines float on the surface, appearing stiff and mechanical, with the wood structure often destroyed. The interwoven ‘Black Gold’ texture of this pendant under macro is ironclad proof of natural resin formation.