MATERIAL GUIDE
Insect-bored Agarwood from Beiliu
Insect-bored agarwood—locally called 虫漏—records a natural interaction between insects, living wood and the tree's resin response. Each piece is individual, so identity and quality must be recorded piece by piece.
What the channels show
Insect activity can leave visible channels and wounds. Resin may gather around these traces as the living tree responds over time, producing irregular forms and patterns.
Why Beiliu is being rediscovered
Local participants report rising attention to naturally formed insect-bored material as comparable sources become scarcer. This is a market observation, not a guaranteed price trend.
Natural formation is not a grade
Natural origin does not by itself establish density, resin content, sinking grade or commercial value. Those judgments require material-specific inspection and clearly stated methods.
QUESTIONS BUYERS ASK
Does every insect hole contain agarwood resin?
No. Visible insect activity alone does not establish the amount, distribution or quality of resin.
Can origin be judged from a photograph?
A photograph can document appearance but cannot independently prove origin. Provenance requires source records and continuity.