1. Historical Origins

Agarwood, revered as the "King of All Fragrances," boasts a historical lineage that can be traced back thousands of years, carrying profound cultural significance and symbolic meaning.

1.1 Early Discovery:

The use of agarwood in China dates back over two millennia. During the pre-Qin period, agarwood from border regions and overseas had not yet been widely introduced into the central plains, where aromatic herbs dominated the use of fragrances. It was not until the reign of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, with the opening of the Silk Road, that agarwood began to flow into the central plains in large quantities, becoming an exclusive luxury for the nobility and imperial court.

1.2 Etymology of the Name:

Agarwood derives its name from its characteristic of being "aromatic when submerged in water." When the agarwood tree is damaged by lightning strikes, insect infestations, windbreak, or other injuries, it secretes resin to protect the wounded area. After decades or even centuries of maturation, this process ultimately forms the precious agarwood.

2. Culture & Meaning

2.1 Sacred Religious Symbol

In Buddhism, agarwood is revered as the "fragrance of enlightenment" and serves as a supreme offering in Buddhist rituals. It is believed to possess the mystical power to awaken wisdom and dispel afflictions. Similarly, in Taoism, agarwood is highly valued for its ability to connect with the spiritual realm, assist in alchemical practices, and nourish the mind and body.

2.2 Symbol of Status and Prestige

Due to its rarity and immense value, the possession and use of high-quality agarwood have historically symbolized the status, wealth, and prestige of royalty, nobility, high-ranking officials, and the affluent. As early as the Song Dynasty, there was a saying that "a single piece of agarwood is worth ten thousand coins," while premium qinan agarwood was described as "an inch of agarwood worth an inch of gold."

2.3 Medicinal Value and Efficacy

Agarwood holds a significant place in traditional medicine. The Compendium of Materia Medica records its efficacy in promoting qi circulation, alleviating pain, warming the middle energizer, relieving nausea, and calming asthma by regulating qi. Modern pharmacological studies have also confirmed its various biological activities, including sedative, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and cardiovascular-protective effects.

2.4 Modern Development and Revival

In contemporary times, agarwood culture is experiencing a revival. It is not only a collectible with auction prices surpassing gold per gram but also an aesthetic symbol of Eastern culture featured in cultural and creative products such as the Palace Museum’s bracelets. With advancements in artificial incense-induction technology, agarwood has transitioned from being an "exorbitantly priced treasure" to becoming part of daily life, contributing to the revival of incense culture.

With its unique characteristic of "decades to form and centuries to mature," agarwood bears witness to the reverence of Chinese civilization for time and nature. It is not merely a fragrance but a cultural epic narrated through its enduring aroma.