Material: Top-quality Qingzhou Agarwood (Lying Incense)

Size: 7 inches. 75 grams

Description:

Qingzhou Agarwood, also known as Xingzhou Agarwood, mainly refers to agarwood produced in Singapore (formerly known as Xingzhou) and its surrounding areas, and is famous for its excellent quality. The following is a brief description of the story and origin of Qingzhou Agarwood:

Origin

The naming of Qingzhou Agarwood is closely related to the history and geographical location of Singapore. Singapore was an important maritime trade hub in ancient times, located in the Strait of Malacca, connecting the East-West trade routes. Agarwood, as a precious spice and medicinal material, was in high demand in ancient China, India, the Middle East and other places, and Singapore, due to its port advantages, became an important distribution center for agarwood trade. Agarwood from the local and nearby Malay Peninsula, Indonesia and other places was often transported through Singapore. Over time, these high-quality agarwoods were collectively referred to as "Xingzhou Agarwood" or "Qingzhou Agarwood". The name "Qingzhou" may come from the association with the ancient name of Singapore or its fresh environment.

The formation of agarwood is a natural wonder. It comes from the resin secreted by the Aquilaria tree after fungal infection or trauma, which condenses over the years. Qingzhou agarwood is favored by incense lovers because of its rich and layered fragrance, often with sweet or fruity notes, due to the climate, soil and tree species of its origin.

Story

The specific legends or stories about Qingzhou agarwood are not widely circulated, but folk tales related to agarwood often involve its mysterious and precious nature. The following is a typical legend related to the agarwood trade, reflecting the value of Qingzhou agarwood in ancient times:

It is said that during the Tang and Song dynasties, a Chinese merchant sailed to Southeast Asia and docked at the port of Xingzhou. The local natives presented a piece of wood with a strange fragrance, which the merchant had never heard of and was shocked. He brought the wood back to the Central Plains and presented it to the emperor. After smelling the fragrance, the emperor was very pleased and named it "Agarwood" and ordered to find more such treasures. Since then, Xingzhou has become an important center for agarwood trade, and the local agarwood has been called "Qingzhou Agarwood" because of its excellent quality. This piece of wood is said to have been carved into a Buddha statue and offered in a temple. Its fragrance has lasted for decades, attracting countless believers to worship.

Another story mentions that in ancient Malay regions, incense collectors went deep into the jungle, braving the dangers of wild beasts and miasma, just to find agarwood trees. They believed that agarwood was the crystallization of the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, and only those with a sincere heart could find the real top-grade agarwood. These agarwoods were transported to the Central Plains via the port of Xingzhou, and were made into incense, medicinal materials or court offerings, becoming the exclusive property of the royal family and nobles.

Cultural significance

Qingzhou agarwood symbolizes elegance and purity in Chinese culture, and is often used in religious ceremonies, meditation, study incense or court etiquette. Its fragrance is believed to purify the body and mind and enhance the spiritual realm. In modern times, Qingzhou agarwood is still synonymous with high-end incense products. Because of its rarity and high price, it is often regarded as a treasure by collectors.

--- Editor's summary ---

The origin of Qingzhou agarwood is closely related to Singapore's status as an ancient trade center. Most of its stories revolve around the rarity and mystery of agarwood. Although there are few specific legends about Qingzhou agarwood, as a representative of top-grade agarwood, it carries the historical memory of cultural exchanges between Nanyang and the Central Plains, and is still a treasure in the incense culture.

The main components of Qingzhou agarwood are similar to other agarwoods. They are mainly complex compounds formed by the resin secreted by the aquilaria tree (Aquilaria) after injury or fungal infection after a long period of condensation. Its chemical composition is very complex and contains a variety of organic compounds. The main components are as follows:

1. **Sesquiterpenoids**

- This is the main active ingredient in agarwood, giving it a unique aroma. Common sesquiterpenoids include agarol, agarene, and cinnamic acid derivatives. These compounds have a strong woody, sweet or fruity aroma, and Qingzhou agarwood is particularly famous for its sweet aroma.

2. **Aromatic Compounds**

- Including benzoic acids, acetophenones, etc. These ingredients provide a warm and lasting aroma to agarwood, and also have certain antibacterial and pharmacological effects.

3. **Volatile Oils**

- The aroma of agarwood mainly comes from volatile essential oils, which contain monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes and other small molecule compounds, which determine the aroma level of agarwood when burning or heated.

4. **Resin Acids**

- Resin is the core component of agarwood, making it hard and durable. These resin acids are gradually formed during the long-term natural aging process, enhancing the stability and aroma persistence of agarwood.

5. **Phenolic Compounds**

- These ingredients have antioxidant properties, which may be related to the application of agarwood in traditional medicine (such as sedation and anti-inflammatory).

6. **Other trace components**

- Includes fatty acids, sterol compounds and some unique secondary metabolites. The content and proportion of these components vary depending on the origin, tree species and formation conditions. Qingzhou agarwood has a unique chemical composition due to its growth environment (tropical climate, specific soil).

Characteristics of Qingzhou agarwood

The proportion of components in Qingzhou agarwood makes its fragrance fresh and sweet, with delicate layers of fruity or floral fragrance, which is different from agarwood from other origins (such as the rich medicinal fragrance of Hainan agarwood or the spicy and cool fragrance of Vietnamese agarwood). Its volatile oil content is relatively high, and the aroma is highly diffusive when burned, with a long aftertaste.

Precautions

- The composition of agarwood varies depending on the tree species, formation year, collection method and storage conditions. The specific chemical composition of Qingzhou agarwood may need to be accurately identified through technical analysis such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).

- Since agarwood is a natural product, Qingzhou agarwood on the market may be mixed with artificially processed ingredients. Pay attention to the reliability of the source when purchasing.