Crafting Scents from Poetry: The Art of Chinese Fragrance
Yuanmingyuan (圆明园), often hailed as the "Garden of All Gardens," stands as a beacon of China's rich cultural heritage and artistic ingenuity. This imperial garden, constructed during the Qing Dynasty, was the epitome of landscape design, where nature and human creativity converged to create an earthly paradise. Its breathtaking scenery, characterized by a seamless blend of architecture, water features, and seasonal flora, inspired countless poets and artisans throughout the ages.
In collaboration with the esteemed Yuanmingyuan, a new fragrance collection has been introduced that encapsulates the essence of this iconic garden. Drawing inspiration from the famous "Forty Views of Yuanmingyuan," this collection offers a sensory journey through the royal grounds, inviting you to experience the delicate balance of nature and art that defined the imperial aesthetic.
The creation of these fragrances was a labor of love, spearheaded by Huang Ganju (黄赣军), a renowned master perfumer known as "China's Nose." With a deep understanding of traditional Chinese aesthetics and an unparalleled ability to identify thousands of natural ingredients, Huang sought to translate the poetic beauty of Yuanmingyuan into olfactory art.
Using only the finest natural materials, sourced from the world-renowned fragrance houses of Grasse, France, these perfumes embody the highest standards of craftsmanship. Grasse, known as the perfume capital of the world, has a rich history of producing exquisite natural fragrances, and its expertise is evident in the purity and complexity of these scents.
The collaboration between Huang and Grasse has resulted in two signature fragrances—"Quyuan Fenghe" and "Tianyantu Hua"—each available in various forms, including hanging sachets, room sprays, and diffusers. These scents are designed not only to perfume your space but also to evoke the imagery and emotions associated with the imperial gardens of Yuanmingyuan.
The Essence of Lotus: A Tribute to "Quyuan Fenghe (曲苑风荷)"
One of the most beloved scenes within Yuanmingyuan is the "Quyuan Fenghe," or "Lotus Breeze at the Curved Courtyard," a masterpiece that exemplifies the harmony between natural beauty and architectural elegance. Emperor Qianlong, known for his deep appreciation of lotus flowers, was inspired by the serene landscapes of the Jiangnan region during his six southern tours. He had this exquisite setting replicated within Yuanmingyuan, where lotus ponds, winding streams, and elegant pavilions created a tranquil retreat for the emperor and his court.
The "Quyuan Fenghe" fragrance captures the essence of this imperial favorite. It opens with a fresh morning dew, reminiscent of a lotus pond at dawn, where each leaf glistens with moisture. The heart of the fragrance is dominated by the rich, floral notes of lotus blossoms, interwoven with the earthy scent of green moss that thrives in the humid summer air. The base notes include the soft aroma of lotus seeds and a hint of amber, evoking the warm, calming atmosphere of a summer evening by the water.
This fragrance transforms the poetic imagery of Qianlong's era into a sensory experience, allowing you to indulge in the elegance and romance of Yuanmingyuan, no matter where you are.
Whispers of Bamboo: The Serenity of "Tianyantu Hua (天然图画)"
Another remarkable view within Yuanmingyuan is the "Tianyantu Hua," or "Natural Painting," a serene bamboo grove that Emperor Yongzheng cherished during his time as a prince. This garden, also known as the "Bamboo Courtyard," was designed with meticulous care, where the rustling of bamboo leaves and the flowing streams created a tranquil environment ideal for contemplation and relaxation.
The "Tianyantu Hua" fragrance is a tribute to this peaceful retreat. It begins with the crisp, clean scent of rain-soaked earth and fresh moss, transporting you to a bamboo grove after a summer shower. The middle notes bring out the subtle, woody aroma of bamboo stems and leaves, intertwined with the ink-like scent of Chinese calligraphy, evoking the scholarly pursuits that took place within these secluded gardens. The fragrance concludes with the warm, comforting scent of brewed tea, mingling with the smoky undertones of agarwood and ambergris, creating a sophisticated yet calming finish.
This fragrance invites you to step into the serene world of Yuanmingyuan, where the whispers of bamboo and the gentle flow of water offer a refuge from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
Bringing the Garden Home: A Sensory Journey
Through these fragrances, the timeless elegance and natural beauty of Yuanmingyuan are brought into the modern home. The hanging sachets, intricately carved with motifs inspired by Yuanmingyuan's architecture, serve as both a visual and olfactory reminder of the garden's splendor. Made from a blend of fine clays, these sachets slowly release their fragrance, filling your space with a subtle, lingering aroma that lasts for months.
For a more immediate experience, the room sprays offer a burst of fresh scent, perfect for reviving your living space or refreshing fabrics. The addition of natural persimmon extract helps neutralize odors, leaving behind only the pure, clean fragrance of lotus and bamboo.
Whether you choose the hanging sachets, the room spray, or the diffuser, each product in this collection offers a gateway to the tranquil world of Yuanmingyuan. Let these scents transport you to a place of serenity and beauty, where the fragrance of lotus and bamboo mingles with the air, and the spirit of the imperial garden lives on.
In this collection, every detail—from the selection of materials to the design of the packaging—reflects the deep respect for China's cultural heritage and the enduring allure of Yuanmingyuan. With these fragrances, the dream of an imperial garden is no longer confined to the past; it can now be experienced and cherished in your own home.
