Aloeswood

Eaglewood, also known as agarwood or aloeswood, is perhaps the most expensive variety of wood in the world today. An aromatic wood native to tropical regions and used primarily for producing incense and perfumes, it was among the goods Tokugawa Ieyasu requested in trade in diplomatic communications with Southeast Asian courts in the early 1600s.

Though a rarity, and surely a luxury item, eaglewood was traded across the region as early as the 14th century, if not earlier. The Korean kingdom of Goryeo (918-1392) is known to have imported eaglewood from Southeast Asia, along with sappanwood and other tropical products.