Incense wood：The Sacred Incense of Heaven and Earth

Chapter 1: Material Essence

Botanical Origins
Aquilaria sinensis (True Incense) belongs to Thymelaeaceae family, primarily growing in Hainan, Guangdong, and Southeast Asia. Its unique resin formation requires:

• Natural trauma (lightning/insects/fungi)
• 20-100 years maturation
• Complex biochemical transformation

Physical Properties

• Density: 1.2-1.4g/cm³ (sinks in water)
• Color spectrum: Ivory→golden→ebony
• Grain patterns: Tiger stripes, eagle feathers under microscope

Chemical Composition
GC-MS analysis reveals:

• Sesquiterpenes (52%)
• Aromatic compounds (28%)
• Fatty acids (15%)
  Agarotetrol content determines grade quality

Chapter 2: Historical Legends

Daoist Connections
Tang Dynasty texts describe hermits using this incense to communicate with celestial beings. Song Dynasty manuals detail its “smoke ascending straight to heavens” property.

Imperial Treasures
Ming-Qing archives record:

• Dedicated imperial workshops
• Daily use by Emperor Qianlong
• Empress Dowager Cixi’s beauty rituals

Maritime Silk Road
Zheng He’s expeditions (15th century) carried carved incense woodas diplomatic gifts. British Museum preserves a 1421 specimen.

Chapter 3: Product Spectrum

Incense Products

• Sticks: Traditional herbal blends
• Powder: For Koh-do ceremonies
• Essential oil: Supercritical CO₂ extraction

Carving Arts

• Sculptures: Daoist deities
• Jewelry: Protective talismans
• Scholar’s objects: Incense holders

Medicinal Applications
Compendium of Materia Medica lists:

• Qi regulation
• Digestive aid
• Respiratory relief
  Modern preparations include sachets and pills

Chapter 4: Metaphysical Significance

Geomantic Uses

• Space purification: Corner placement
• Wealth attraction: Shop counters
• Sha qi neutralization: Pi xiu carvings

Ritual Functions

• Daoist ceremonies
• Buddhist initiations
• Shamanic journeying

Bioenergy Research
German tests show:

• 3600 negative ions/cm³
• 92 far-infrared emissivity
• 28% microcirculation improvement

Chapter 5: Connoisseurship

Authentication Methods

• Visual: Irregular grain patterns
• Olfactory: Cooling→sweet transition
• Tactile: Waxy smoothness
• Combustion: Blue-white cohesive smoke
• Taste: Bitter→sweet transformation
• Density: Water immersion test

Preservation

• Maintain 55-65% humidity
• Avoid direct sunlight