Kynam: A Fragrant Relic
Kynam transcends mere agarwood. It’s a coveted treasure, a “fragrant relic” as described by agarwood expert Su Tuan Sieu. Its elusive nature and intoxicating aroma have captivated connoisseurs for millennia.
Distinguishing Kynam’s Essence
While regular agarwood boasts a rich fragrance, Kynam offers an unparalleled olfactory experience.
Water Test: A simple yet effective method involves wetting Kynam with warm water. Unlike agarwood’s hardness, Kynam softens, revealing its unique fragrance. Even cold rainwater unlocks its immediate aroma.
Visual Clues: High-quality Kynam can be light-colored or pale. Don’t mistake this for a lesser quality – it signifies a high oil content, a prized characteristic.
Beyond Wild vs. Cultivated
Technology may cultivate Kynam trees, but replicating the true Kynam fragrance remains a challenge. When evaluating Kynam, focus on the experience – the aroma and burning characteristics – rather than solely on its origin (wild vs. cultivated).
A Journey Through Etymology: The Name Kynam
The name “Kynam” itself holds a rich history, reflecting the Silk Road’s influence on agarwood:
Champa Origins: The term emerged from the Champa language, spoken by ancient Southeast Asian merchants.
Sanskrit & Chinese Roots: “Kynam” is a fusion of “kara” (Sanskrit for “black”) and “bak” (Chinese for “tree, wood”).
Evolution of a Name: The combined word “kalambak” or “calambac” eventually transformed into the shorter “kynam,” retaining the essence of “black wood.”
This linguistic connection isn’t happenstance. The spread of agarwood and Buddhism intertwined along the Silk Road, with the Champa kingdom drawing influence from India rather than China.
The Enduring Value of Kynam
Kynam’s rarity and exquisite fragrance have garnered immense value for centuries:
Generational Treasure: Chinese proverbs highlight Kynam’s preciousness, suggesting it requires accumulated virtue over generations to even smell it.
Diamond of Agarwood: Kynam’s rarity and captivating aroma have earned it the title of “diamond of spices from wood.”
Heavenly Fragrance: Connoisseurs believe experiencing Kynam’s true aroma requires a lifetime (or even three!) of olfactory training.
The Present Findings
To further emphasize the true rarity of Kynam, some recent discoveries add to its mystique. Just a few years ago, at a Shanghai exhibition, 2 kg of Kynam sold for a staggering 18 million USD. Additionally, the largest documented Kynam discovery to date weighed 16 kg, and it took a five-year expedition to find it.
The Uniqueness of Our Kynam
However, the Kynam we possess is a unique 98 kg piece, unlike any other ever found. It’s likely that finding another piece of this size will be nearly impossible. Even acquiring a similar amount of Kynam would take generations, and for a piece this large, it would take several thousand years.