The ‘Extinct’ National Fragrance: This Wild Old-Stock ‘Fu Lu’ Pendant is the Ultimate Gift from Suzhou Craftsmanship to the Elite Circle
Ten years ago, I shared a drink with an old incense farmer in Hainan’s Jianfengling. As heavy rain poured outside, the old man pointed to the empty hills behind his house, his eyes turning red: ‘The true “National Fragrance” is the bone of the Mountain God. Every piece dug is one piece less; soon, it will be a melody that no amount of money can hear again.’ Those words have been nailed into my heart ever since. Having spent half my life in this circle, I see a market flooded with artificial, fast-grown wood. Encountering a piece of genuine, wild old-stock from a Chinese origin is not just luck—it is a reunion across time. Late last night, when I held this ‘Fu Lu’ (Luck and Prosperity) pendant, fresh from the hands of a Suzhou master, the chill and honeyed sweetness radiating from its core transported me back to that night in Jianfengling. This is a story of ‘extinction’ and ‘rebirth,’ told not through jargon, but for those who truly understand.
The Remains of the Mountain God: A Century of Solitude for ‘Black Oil’
Experienced collectors often hear me say: ‘Kinam is found in Red Soil, but the National Fragrance is found in Black Oil.’ Look closely at the macro details of this piece—those meandering oil lines, like ink wash paintings, are not the superficial ‘painted-on’ oils found in the market. This is ‘Black Oil Formation’ (Hei You Ge), created as the agarwood tree spent decades, or even centuries, secreting resin to heal itself after lightning strikes or insect attacks in the deep forest. This deep, jade-like luster is an art form condensed by time and trauma. To be honest, I was startled the moment I touched it—the weight is nearly ‘sinking grade,’ heavy with the gravity of history. To an expert, this isn’t just incense; it is a flower blooming in a desperate situation. Such old-stock material is truly becoming a once-in-a-lifetime sight.
The Tenderness of Suzhou Craft: Carving ‘Prosperity’ into Ancient Wood
When facing such a rare piece of wood, any redundant cutting is a sin. We specifically commissioned a Suzhou carving master, debating several designs before deciding to follow the ancient principle of ‘carving according to the material.’ This preserves the natural form and skin color to the greatest extent. Look at this agile auspicious deer; the master used the unique ‘Fine Silk Thread’ carving technique. The strokes are incredibly delicate, with the deer’s body lines flowing along the natural oil grain of the agarwood—as if the deer had always lived inside the wood and was simply awakened. The deer looking back symbolizes ‘Fu Lu’ (Fortune and Prosperity) and ‘Looking back to the shore’ (wisdom). This is the ultimate romance of Chinese literati—using the gentlest Suzhou craftsmanship to embrace a piece of seasoned, hardened wood. Paired with a hand-woven black and gold cord, it balances the powerful presence of the old-stock with a sense of understated luxury. This is a true family heirloom.
The Soul of National Scent: An Invisible Identity Card for the Elite
Why do business titans and cultural icons eventually return to the ‘National Fragrance’? Because the scent cannot lie, and neither can one’s state of mind. This ‘Fu Lu’ piece emits the classic top-tier wild Hainan fragrance profile—starting with a refreshing ‘coolness’ that pierces straight to the spirit, then transitioning into a rich, pure sweetness of honey and fruit. In the noisy world of business and fame, this scent acts like an invisible barrier, helping you maintain clarity and composure during high-stakes negotiations. In the silence of a tea room, it becomes a bridge to your inner world. Wearing it is not just owning a scarce asset; it is choosing a lifestyle that is reserved, profound, and independent of trends. This piece is reserved for a true connoisseur. If you want to see high-definition details of the oil flow under natural light, or wish to discuss how to distinguish wild old-stock, feel free to send me a private message with the word ‘Tea.’ A connection is not just a transaction; it is trust.
FAQs
Q.Since it is ‘extinct,’ why is it still available for purchase?
A.A great question. ‘Extinct’ refers to the non-renewable nature of wild resources. Currently, wild agarwood trees in Chinese origins (like Hainan and coastal Guangdong) have been almost entirely harvested, and the remaining trees are strictly protected by law. The genuine pieces circulating today are either ‘old stock’ from collectors from decades ago or rare fragments found deep in the mountains. This ‘Fu Lu’ piece was crafted from inventory stocked years ago; once it’s gone, it’s gone. You won’t find this grade of authentic material in the future, regardless of price.
Q.How can I distinguish this wild old-stock from the ‘treated’ agarwood on the market?
A.The most intuitive difference is the ‘aura.’ Treated agarwood (high-pressure oil injection or chemical soaking) usually has a pungent, artificial smell, and the oil lines are blurred into a dead black mass. True wild old-stock (National Fragrance) has clear, living oil lines that penetrate the wood grain like veins. The scent is layered and deep; it is the result of long-term aging. It won’t make you dizzy; instead, it refreshes the mind. Furthermore, real old-stock develops a brighter patina the more you handle it, while fakes turn dull and dirty.
Q.Is the ‘Fu Lu’ motif of this pendant suitable for gifting?
A.Extremely suitable and very prestigious. In traditional Chinese culture, the ‘Deer’ (Lu) is homophonous with ‘Wealth’ (Lu), representing career success and prosperity. The deer is also a mythical beast of longevity, symbolizing health. Carving ‘Fu Lu’ onto agarwood—a material that has gathered the essence of heaven and earth—is both precious and tasteful. Whether it’s a gift for an elder to wish them health or for a business partner to wish them success, it is a significant gift with profound cultural heritage.
