Agarwood Grading System: From Bantou and Diaokou to Kyara

The agarwood grading system is based on formation method, oil density, morphological features, and aromatic performance, forming a clear quality ladder from common grades like Bantou and Diaokou to the top-tier Kyara. This article systematically explains the definitions and identification points of each grade to help enthusiasts build a scientific understanding framework.

1. Core Logic of Agarwood Grading

Agarwood grading is not a single dimension but an evaluation system combining formation location, oil content, morphological integrity, and aromatic complexity. Traditional incense study classifies agarwood into wild and cultivated, living and dead formation, sinking and floating, and further into specific categories such as Bantou, Diaokou, Baotou, Chonglou, and Kyara. To understand this system, one must first grasp the principle that 'oil density determines the basic grade, while formation method determines flavor characteristics.' In the Agarwood Encyclopedia, we detail the definitions and relationships of various classification dimensions, serving as a starting point for systematic learning.

2. Bantou and Diaokou: Representatives of Entry-Level Agarwood

Bantou refers to the agarwood formed at the cross-section wound after the trunk or thick branch of an agarwood tree is cut down, named for its flat, board-like shape. The oil in Bantou usually distributes along the cross-section, with medium density and a clear but relatively simple aroma, making it a basic sample for beginners to identify agarwood. Diaokou refers to the formation where the fork of a trunk branch is naturally damaged or broken by external forces, and the wound hangs down to form agarwood. The oil gathers along the branch direction, often appearing in strips or blocks. Diaokou agarwood has a richer aroma than Bantou, with clear oil lines, but its overall density mostly remains in the floating to semi-sinking range. Although both are entry-level grades, they are important windows to understand the formation mechanism. More physical features and identification cases can be found in the Chinese Incense Study · Agarwood Identification section.

3. Intermediate Grades: Baotou, Chonglou, and Daojia

Baotou agarwood refers to the formation where oil wraps around the wound after the bark is injured, often retaining bark texture on the outer layer, with oil penetrating inward, resulting in higher density and a sweet-cool aroma. Chonglou is formed after insect or ant damage, where the tree secretes oil to repair the wound; its shape varies, oil distributes along insect tunnels, and the aroma carries a unique honey-sweet or medicinal note. Daojia refers to agarwood trees that have fallen and, after years of weathering and decay, the non-resinous parts have rotted away, leaving only the resinous part with extremely high density and a mellow, lasting aroma. These intermediate grades are widely circulated in the market and are key nodes for grade advancement. Accurate identification requires combining oil lines, color, sinking degree, and heated aroma performance. Refer to the systematic methods in the Identification Pillar Page.

4. Kyara: The Pinnacle of Agarwood Grades

Kyara is the top grade of agarwood, anciently called 'Qiongzhi.' Its formation mechanism is fundamentally different from ordinary agarwood: fungal infection and tree metabolites work together, making the oil and wood fibers highly integrated, with a soft, sticky texture and a spicy-numbing taste in the mouth. Kyara can be classified by color and aroma into White, Green, Purple, Yellow, and Black Kyara. White Kyara has the most ethereal and variable aroma, Green Kyara offers a penetrating coolness, and Purple Kyara has a deep sweetness. Grading Kyara depends not only on oil density but more on aromatic layers and persistence; when heated, it often presents three stages: initial, main, and lingering aroma. For detailed classification and identification points of Kyara, please visit the Kyara Pillar Page.

5. Practical Significance of the Grading System

Mastering the agarwood grading system helps enthusiasts set reasonable expectations when purchasing: Bantou and Diaokou are suitable for entry-level incense appreciation and daily burning; Baotou, Chonglou, and Daojia meet advanced appreciation and collection needs; Kyara is for top-tier collection and special occasions. Note that grade is not an absolute value label; aroma preference varies among individuals, and there are quality differences within the same grade. It is recommended to combine physical observation, heated appreciation, and professional identification to gradually accumulate experience and avoid judging quality solely by name.

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