Collector’s Journal: Why This ‘Wealth from All Directions’ Old-Growth Agarwood is the Ultimate ‘Power Base’ for Entrepreneurs?
After two decades in the agarwood trade, I have seen countless polished pieces that lack a soul. To be honest, true masterpieces dare to be ‘unadorned.’ When I face a powerhouse old-growth piece like this in the quiet of the night, I still feel a sense of awe. Today, I won’t bore you with technical jargon. Instead, I want to show you a piece of ‘nature’s divine craftsmanship’— a mountain-shaped old-growth ornament untouched by a carver’s blade, sculpted entirely by wind, rain, and time. It is not just wood; it is the scars and glory of a primeval rainforest condensed over a century. For many entrepreneurs, this is the ‘backing mountain’ (Kao Shan) they have been searching for to anchor their office aura.
Reading the Material: Every Black Resin Block is a Medal of Time
Many newcomers ask me, ‘What does the presence of old-growth material feel like?’ Just look at the surface of this piece. Its impact lies in those striking black resin blocks. Look closely: this isn’t the artificial ‘black lacquer patina’ achieved with wax and dyes. This is the ‘dark blood’ of a tree that survived lightning or animal damage a century ago, mobilizing its essence to heal itself. Years ago, an old harvester told me: ‘A tree must be wounded to produce fragrance; the deeper the wound, the richer the oil.’ When you zoom in, the natural weathered texture resembles the rugged terrain of an ancient mountain range—a ‘beauty of imperfection’ that no CNC machine can replicate. Weighing it in your hand, you feel a dense, sinking pressure. The oil lines are like ink bleeding into the wood fibers. This ‘sinking-grade’ visual impact is the highest certificate of authenticity issued by nature itself.
Unity of Form and Spirit: The ‘Wealth from All Directions’ Layout
In Eastern aesthetics and Feng Shui, the highest form is always ‘Tao follows nature.’ What fascinates me most about this piece is its natural mountain silhouette. There is no artificiality here; it is the stubborn contour of a tree struggling against the elements in the wild. Its base is wide and stable. Placed on a desk, it creates a literal ‘Backing Mountain’ (Kao Shan) layout. A CEO of a listed company once told me that during moments of decision-making anxiety, he loves to touch the natural grain of his agarwood; that ‘immovable as a mountain’ stability helps him find his center. Upon closer inspection, the form extends naturally in all directions, subtly implying ‘Wealth from Eight Directions.’ Keeping it uncarved is the ultimate respect for the spirituality of agarwood. It stands silently, yet those in the know feel a sense of leadership—heavy but sharp, simple but profound. This is not just an ornament; it is an anchor for one’s professional aura.
Scent of the Way: Non-renewable ‘Liquid Gold’ and a Final Invitation
If form is the body, then the scent is the soul. Burning incense is a joy, but old-growth material that radiates a profound aroma at room temperature is true luxury. As you lean in, the initial scent is a cool chill accompanied by honeyed sweetness, as if standing in a rainforest after the rain. As you linger, the thick medicinal notes and woody undertones emerge in layers. This level of penetration only comes from material that has mellowed for decades. From a collection standpoint, ‘natural form old-growth’ pieces have always been hard currency in the high-end market. The reason is harsh: the resource is non-renewable. Its value is determined by the extreme resin weight and its unique, irreplicable shape. Owning such a piece is both a practice in mindfulness and a strategic wealth allocation across cycles. [A Collector’s Word]: Common agarwood is everywhere, but a ‘natural’ masterpiece with such an aura is a matter of destiny. If you are looking for a true ‘backing mountain’ for your office, or want to see the flow of these black resins under the light, let’s talk. We don’t talk business; we talk affinity. Good things are reserved for those who truly understand them.
FAQs
Q.How do I maintain this ‘natural form’ old-growth agarwood?
A.Maintaining old-growth material is about ‘cultivating its energy.’ Avoid over-handling. Most importantly, keep it away from chemicals (perfumes, detergents) and extreme temperature changes. There is no need for oiling because its own resin content is extremely high. Simply wipe it gently with a clean cotton cloth or handle it with clean, dry hands. Because the wood is so dense, its own patina will make it darker and shinier over time.
Q.As a beginner, how can I tell if the ‘old-growth’ status is real?
A.Remember three points: First, check the oil lines. In real old-growth, the resin points and dense oil lines grow naturally with the grain, not like the stiff lines drawn by hand. Second, look for weathering. Natural old-growth has surface undulations and tiny flaws left by time, unlike pieces polished to a mirror finish. Third, smell it. The aroma should be deep and layered with medicinal and thick woody notes; fake agarwood is often pungent or one-dimensional and can cause dizziness after long exposure.
Q.Why do many business owners insist on having mountain-shaped agarwood on their desks?
A.Beyond the scent’s ability to calm the mind and improve decision-making efficiency, it is about Feng Shui. A natural mountain shape represents a ‘support stone.’ Placed behind the seat or on the left (the Green Dragon position), it symbolizes ‘having a mountain at your back,’ implying a stable foundation and steady progress. This psychological and energetic boost aligns perfectly with the needs of entrepreneurs and executives.
