Agarwood Grading System: From Bantou and Diaokou to Kyara

The agarwood grading system is based on formation part, shape, density, and aroma, ranging from common grades like Bantou and Diaokou, through Baotou and Chonglou, up to Kyara. Understanding this system helps accurately evaluate agarwood and avoid confusion.

Bantou and Diaokou: The Starting Point of the Grading System

In the agarwood grading system, Bantou (board-like pieces) and Diaokou (hanging mouth pieces) are generally considered entry-level or lower-to-mid-grade materials. Bantou refers to flat, board-like agarwood formed at wound healing sites on the tree, with resin mostly on the surface, low density, and faint aroma. Diaokou is strip or block-shaped agarwood formed along the edges of a wound on the trunk, with slightly higher resin content than Bantou but still ordinary grade. Both are common in the market, suitable for daily incense or medicinal use, but have limited collectible value. For a systematic understanding of agarwood classification, see the Agarwood Encyclopedia.

Baotou, Chonglou, and Tree-Heart: Mid-to-High Grades

As the formation site and cause differ, the grade gradually rises. Baotou is hemispherical agarwood formed at broken branch ends, rich in resin with a mellow aroma, belonging to mid-to-high grade. Chonglou (insect-eaten) is formed when insects or ants bore into the tree, and the tree secretes resin to encapsulate the holes, creating uniquely shaped agarwood with a sweet, cooling scent, favored by incense lovers. Tree-heart agarwood forms inside the trunk, with high resin density and long-lasting aroma, an excellent material for high-end incense sticks and bracelets. Identifying these categories requires examining resin lines, density, and aroma; refer to the methods in the Identification Pillar Page.

Kyara: The Pinnacle of the Grading System

Kyara (also known as Kynam) is the top grade of agarwood, with a special formation mechanism, extremely high resin content, soft texture, a numbing sensation on the tongue, and complex aroma layers of coolness, sweetness, floral, fruity, and milky notes. Kyara is often sub-classified by color and origin, such as White, Green, Purple, and Black Kyara, with White Kyara being the rarest. Below Kyara are special types like Red Soil and Yellow Soil agarwood, but Kyara remains the pinnacle. For deeper insights into Kyara's characteristics and classification, read the Kyara Pillar Page.

Practical Application and Misconceptions

In actual trade, agarwood grade is not determined by name alone but by resin content, density (sinking or not), aroma performance, and origin. For example, Bantou with abundant resin may reach mid-grade, while Kyara with insufficient aroma may be misnamed. Therefore, while mastering the grading system, combine traditional experience from Chinese Incense Studies · Agarwood Identification, smell and compare more, and avoid being misled by commercial terms. Grade is a reference; aroma is fundamental.

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