Taihang Aged Oriental arborvitae Root Specimen

Roots of the Oriental arborvitae take hold in rocky crevices on the cliffs of the Taihang Mountains. After the trees die naturally, their roots endure decades to centuries of wind, sun and rain on the cliff face. The soft bark and sapwood are fully weathered and flake away, leaving only dense, resin-rich heart roots. This natural weathering process is known as aging.

Characteristics of the root material: Crushed by rock pressure, most roots are flat, twisted and coiled, boasting naturally elegant forms. They serve as premium raw material for Oriental arborvitae ornaments, free-form carvings and prayer bead bracelets.