Friday, February 6, 2009

Arabian Fragrances Reading

There is a very interesting homage to Arabian perfumes and corresponding influences on Osmoz right now, with beautiful pictures to accompany it, focusing on the firmly established traditions of Arabian culture in regards to fragrance use ~from fumigation to rich oil preparations and sourcing exotic materials, such as oudh and viscous balsams. After all, it's those traditions which have inspired one of the most emblematic of the niche brands revered today among perfume enthusiasts: Serge Lutens.
You can read about some of the more popular Arabian perfumes, some of the essenses and how they have been translated to Westernised perceptions, as well as the influence they have generated to the insatiable western consumer.
For more information and musings on the traditions and uses of Arabian scents and aromatics, you can read on Perfume Shrine: Travel Memoirs Arabian Rituals and Arabian Attars, journey to the mundane?.

We will shortly come back with a glimpse of the opulent and ultra-luxurious Amouage line, a Valentine's Day article on seductive fragrancing with a twist, exotic Travel Memoirs and a corresponding scent to match the mood and an ultra-rare surprise vintage treasure that has never been reviewed before which I have been most lucky to lay my hands (and nose) on.
Stay tuned!!

Pic via Osmoz

5 comments:

  1. Hi!

    Oudh and viscous balsams sound absolutely fantastic! I own a 20ml bottle of Montale Red Aoud which is my first try with aouds.

    Looking forward to more on Arabian perfumes. Thank you for this blog!

    ReplyDelete
  2. You're welcome. I think it's an interesting way of getting to know a culture: through its smells! (and that includes cuisine of course)
    Montale's are a little westernised I think. Many are very popular!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Woo Oud...It's strange claim that Oud is Arabia... the oud cannot grow in Arabia. But the Islamic tradition and Arab culture also put Oud as precious thing. I had my own pure Oud. Wanna learn about about Oud? just visit my site www.agarwoodindonesia.com
    I sell Oud there also make it as knowlegde base about Oud.

    ReplyDelete
  4. You're absolutely right! It's more correct to say that arabian fragrances are traditionally rich in Oud, rather that Oud is Arabian (indeed Indonesia is a major provider). Thanks!
    I am leaving your link here, because I think it might be educational for our readers.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi!

    Oudh and viscous balsams sound absolutelyfantastic! I own a 20ml bottle of Mon tale Red Aoud which is my first try with aouds.

    Looking forward to more on Arabian perfumes. Thank you for this blog!

    ReplyDelete

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