Agarwood Grading System: From Bantou and Diaokou to Kyara

The agarwood grading system is based on formation part, oil density, morphological features, and aroma performance, ranging from common forms like Bantou and Diaokou to the top-grade Kyara. This article systematically explains the grading logic to help readers build a clear understanding of agarwood.

Core Logic of Agarwood Grading

Agarwood grading is not a single standard but a multi-dimensional evaluation system combining formation method, oil content, morphological features, and aroma complexity. From collection forms, Bantou, Diaokou, skin oil, and insect-hole are common classifications; from quality levels, agarwood progresses from ordinary grades to the top-tier Kyara. To understand this system, two key points must be grasped: first, the formation part determines morphology and oil distribution; second, the aging degree of oil and aroma performance determine the final grade. The Agarwood Encyclopedia provides detailed illustrations of various formation forms for reference.

From Bantou to Diaokou: Grading of Common Forms

Bantou refers to plate-like agarwood formed during wound healing on the trunk or branches, with oil distributed longitudinally along the wood, flat like a board. Bantou has medium oil content and relatively light aroma, often used for incense sticks or ordinary bracelets, belonging to entry to mid-range grades. Diaokou is hanging-shaped agarwood formed at broken branches or wounds; due to interrupted nutrient supply, oil gathers more concentratedly, and the aroma is stronger than Bantou, with a slightly higher grade. Other forms such as skin oil, insect-hole, and saw-clamp have their own characteristics, and their grades depend on oil density and aroma. More identification points can be found on the Identification Pillar Page.

Kyara: The Pinnacle of Agarwood Grading

Kyara is the top-tier category of agarwood, with a formation mechanism different from ordinary agarwood, involving specific fungal infection and long-term aging. Kyara is soft and糯, with extremely high oil content, a spicy sensation when tasted, rich aroma layers combining cool, sweet, floral, and fruity notes, and stable performance when heated. Kyara can be classified by color and origin into white, green, purple, yellow, and black Kyara, among which white Kyara is particularly rare. Below Kyara, there is a category called "semi-Kyara" or "Kyara species," with quality between ordinary agarwood and Kyara. For detailed classification and identification of Kyara, see the Kyara Pillar Page.

Practical Application and Misconceptions

In actual trade and collection, the grading system should be applied flexibly to specific items. Common misconceptions include: judging grade solely by sinking (though sinking is important, aroma performance is more critical), and confusing morphological names with quality levels (Bantou is not necessarily low-end, and Kyara has diverse forms). Beginners are advised to start with Chinese Incense Studies · Agarwood Identification to systematically learn sensory evaluation methods and avoid one-sided judgments.

Key Takeaways

The agarwood grading system is based on formation morphology, with oil and aroma as the core, forming a complete gradient from common forms like Bantou and Diaokou to the top-grade Kyara. Mastering this framework helps rationally understand agarwood value and avoid market misconceptions.

(This is industry observation and popular-science summary, not investment advice. Buy agarwood through legal channels with traceable, testable sources.)