Oudh - The Priceless Fragrance of Legends

Oudh, the highly sought-after and precious incense that is more valuable than gold by weight

What incense is more expensive than gold? Which type of this incense is best?

In the realm of captivating scents, there exists a fragrance so extraordinary, so rare, that it has become synonymous with luxury and opulence. Oudh, also known as agarwood or aloeswood, holds a mystique that has enthralled mankind for centuries.

Oudh is a highly sought-after and precious incense is revered for its captivating aroma, deeply-rooted history, and cultural significance. Like a hidden treasure, Oudh surpasses the value of gold by weight, enchanting all who encounter its rich and intoxicating allure.

Want to know more about Oudh, its origin, rarity and value?

Read on.

Oudh - Resinous wood chips from the agarwood tree

Scent from Heaven

Scent from Heaven, also known as Oudh, is an aromatic treasure that carries with it an air of rarity and exclusivity. Its remarkable journey begins deep within the heartwood of the Aquilaria tree, a species found in the dense forests of Southeast Asia. This tree, through a unique natural process, develops a resinous substance that emanates an ethereal fragrance.

However, what makes this scent truly heavenly is its rarity. The infection responsible for the formation of this precious resin occurs in less than 10% of Aquilaria trees, rendering it a truly elusive and prized find. Expert harvesters delicately extract the resin from the aged trees, a painstaking process that requires precision and patience.

The resin, once obtained, undergoes meticulous aging to deepen its aroma. As a result, Scent from Heaven, becomes an embodiment of luxury, evoking a sense of exclusivity and wonder for those fortunate enough to experience its enchanting essence.

Oudh’s Origin and Mythology

The story of Oudh begins centuries ago, woven into the tapestry of ancient civilizations. Tracing its roots to the forests of Southeast Asia, the Oudh tree, Aquilaria, is a sacred symbol of wealth, spirituality, and good fortune.

Legends abound with tales of its discovery, often described as a gift from the heavens or a testament to the divine. From the ancient empires of Egypt and Mesopotamia to the splendor of the Indian subcontinent and the Far East, Oudh’s aura grew ever brighter.

The Oudh Experience

Oudh’s allure has not gone unnoticed by master perfumers, who have embraced its enchanting aroma as a prized ingredient in their creations. Its complex nature makes it a perfect base note that adds depth and sophistication to perfumes.

The aroma of Oudh is a harmony of earthiness, sweetness, and smokiness. Its scent is often described as woody, balsamic, and deeply sensuous. The allure lies in its ability to evolve over time, unveiling different layers and nuances with every passing hour.

Rarity and Value

The precious Oudh resin is not easily obtained. It is the result of a fascinating natural phenomenon that occurs when the Aquilaria tree becomes infected with a particular type of mold or fungus. In response to this infection, the tree produces a dense, aromatic resin, saturating the heartwood with its mystical essence.

Oudh – Infected agarwood tree 

Harvesting this resin is a meticulous process that requires immense skill and patience. The rarity of the infection, combined with the limited availability of mature oudh trees, contributes to the exorbitant value of this precious treasure.

Cultural Significance

In Arab cultures, the tradition of using Oudh has been passed down through generations, with the fragrance being an essential part of hospitality. It is customary to offer guests Oudh-infused incense, creating an atmosphere of warmth, luxury, and enchantment. The mere presence of this aromatic resin elevates gatherings and adds a touch of elegance to any occasion.

Its presence in palaces, mosques, and sacred spaces imparts an air of opulence, inviting worshippers and visitors into a realm of olfactory transcendence. For countless generations, Oudh has been employed in spiritual rituals, cultural ceremonies, and personal adornment, infusing these moments with a sense of transcendence and connecting the physical and spiritual realms.

Cost of Oudh

The allure of Oudh comes at a steep price, and it’s often considered one of the most expensive natural resources in the world. The high cost is primarily due to the rarity of agarwood, which is not easily obtained. 

It takes years, sometimes even decades, for the resinous wood to develop its characteristic fragrance, and it requires specific conditions, including the presence of a particular type of mold, to be produced.

This scarcity drives the price of Oudh, where the price of Oudh for 10 grams can vary significantly, ranging from $40.00 to $150 or even higher, depending on its quality and origin. This aromatic treasure’s cost per kilogram is all the more revealing, with high-quality Oudh commanding prices of up to $15,000 USD or more, reflecting its status as one of the world’s most sought-after and expensive natural fragrances.

Pure oudh oil has been found to cost over $140 USD for 1g (buy weight, approximately 1.06 ml) of oil.

625 grams – Nha Trang White Kyara (Agarwood/Oudh): $5,224 USD/gram; Total: $3.27 USD million

Why is Agarwood So Expensive – Video

​Why is agarwood so expensive? 

Oudh – From Ancient to Modern Times

In today’s world, Oudh has not lost its allure; instead, it has reached new heights of popularity. Its captivating aroma has found resonance with individuals seeking a touch of luxury and an escape from the ordinary. The demand for oudh-infused products, from perfumes and incense to luxury candles and skincare, has soared.

However, with this rise in popularity, there comes a responsibility to ensure sustainable sourcing and ethical practices, as Oudh’s scarcity can lead to overharvesting and ecological imbalance.

From ancient times until present day, oudh has been used as a special ingredient in Bakhoor, by carefully crafting a blend of oudh with a selection of spices, floral essences, and other aromatic ingredients.

Oudh, with its rich and distinctive scent profile, brings depth, complexity, and a touch of royalty to Bakhoor. Its warm, woody, and smoky notes infuse the incense with a captivating aroma that lingers in the air, creating an ambiance of opulence and indulgence.

From the renowned houses of Gucci to Tom Ford, these prestigious brands have embraced the allure of oudh, infusing it into their exquisite creations. Each fragrance on this list showcases the timeless elegance and depth that oudh brings, transporting you to a realm of sensory indulgence and sophistication. Prepare to embark on a fragrant journey that combines tradition with modernity, as these remarkable scents captivate your senses and leave a lasting impression.

Below is just a brief list of modern perfume and colognes that use this mutafacient scent:

Documentary

Oudh, the highly sought-after and precious incense, weaves a tale of opulence, spirituality, and cultural significance that spans centuries. Its intoxicating aroma, steeped in tradition and mystique, has the power to transport us to a realm where luxury knows no bounds.

Scent from Heaven is a full-length documentary, that delves into the rich history, traditions and cost of oudh.

Oudh – Scent from Heaven is a full-length documentary, that delves into the rich history, traditions and cost of oudh.

As we delve into its rich history and the cultural tapestry it has woven, we come to appreciate the value of this ancient fragrance, worth more than gold by weight. Oudh is a testament to the enduring allure of the rare and extraordinary, captivating hearts and minds as it has done for generations past, and will undoubtedly continue to do so for generations to come.

Ornaument and Oudh

Experience the sensory enchantment of our Ornaument kit, meticulously designed with sacred geometry, to enhance spiritual experiences, where included is the precious Oudh incense.

👉Read more:  Unveiling Ornaument - Explore the Spiritual Essence of Aumani’s Handcrafted Creation

At Aumani, we have curated a collection of exquisite oudh incense that reflects the authentic essence of this precious wood. Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of our oudh incense line, where each stick is carefully crafted to bring the opulence of this ancient scent into your sacred space. Explore our shop and elevate your sensory experience with the profound aroma of oudh.

With each stick of Oudh, you not only elevate your space but also contribute to a greater cause. Aumani’s mission extends beyond luxury, striving to make a positive impact on those in need. The premium packaging of the Ornaument reflects our dedication to exquisite craftsmanship, while embodying our ethos of promoting sustainability and creating a better world.

Shop - Oudh in Aumani's Incense Collection

Embark on a transformative journey with the harmonious fusion of Oudh and the conscious elegance of the Ornaument, knowing that your choice supports both your well-being and underserved communities – meaningful social change.

The Aromatic Tapestry of Oudh

Oudh, with its roots in the Aquilaria tree, has spread its fragrant influence across continents and cultures. Its diverse applications, from medicine to incense, reflect its versatility and the depth of its allure.

In China and Japan, it stands as a symbol of luxury and tradition, while in Taoism and other spiritual practices, it aids in the quest for serenity and harmony with the universe. Oudh’s aromatic tapestry weaves a connection between people, nature, and the spiritual world, making it a cherished treasure in the vast landscape of Asian traditions.

👉Read more: Kodo and Oudh - The Revered Japanese Incense Ceremony and Its Timeless Legacy With Oudh

Check out a worthy read about the history of Oudh in the Chinese and Japanese markets, China: Fragrance Culture, Fragrance History, & Oud (沉香).