Incense, from smoke to sensuality

Like a bridge between earth and sky, the perfumed smoke of incense rises and unfurls in mysterious, captivating ways. In Ancient times more precious than gold, today incense resin inspires perfumery, infusing compositions with its warm, woody notes. With La Cérémonie de l'Encens, L'Artisan Parfumeur celebrates the soul of olibanum incense. An almost other-worldly element to awaken and invigorate the senses. ​

Incense through the ages ​

For millennia, incense and spirituality have been aligned. Incense smoke plays a role in rituals all over the world over, from the religious ceremonies of the Pharaohs to Christian churches and Buddhist temples. ​

Incense is extracted from Boswellia, a tree found in the warm soils of Africa. Once cut, its bark releases a resin which, once harvested and dried, releases warm, aromatic notes. ​

A spellbinding sensory experience ​

The burning of incense is a timeless ritual. Instantly, harmonies of wood and resin are released into the air, warmed by facets of pepper and amber. In perfumery, incense structures the compositions, creating depth and character. Passage d'Enfer Extrême, Mirablis and Tenebrae elevate the sacred ingredient by combining it with hints of fruit or flowers. ​

The daily incense ritual ​

Incense uplifts the home, infusing the atmosphere of large and small spaces with its sensual note. In everyday life, when burned during the day, it helps create a calm and focused work environment. As night falls, the scent of incense mingles with the flickering glow of La Bougie L'Encens, creating a hushed, soothing ambiance. ​

In the bathroom, incense invigorates the body and mind in a collection of scented products. Le Gel Lavant Passage d’Enfer, an alliance of incense, musk and lily, gently cleanses the skin and prepares it for Lotion Hydratante Passage d’Enfer. Together, they prolong the aura of incense on the skin, creating a complete fragranced bath ritual. For the ultimate final touch.​

Some fragrances fade and disappear. Others stay, carrying with them centuries of tradition, and leaving their indelible mark both on the skin and in the mind. La Cérémonie de l’Encens is one of the latter, recounting an entire story to those enticed to experience the melody of all its notes.

Exclusive collaboration​

For its latest Carte Blanche, L’Artisan Parfumeur commissioned korean artist Jihyun Park to give his interpretation of the new fragrance La Cérémonie de L’Encens. The artist makes artworks from incense burning.​

” My incense works illustrate the process and phenomena of incense burning and transforming. I call them either "incense drawing" or "two-dimensional sculpture. The scent reminded me of a deep forest hike I’ve went on in Odaesan Mountain a few years ago— the feeling of taking a deep breath in the afternoon forest. (...). I drew inspiration from juniper trees commonly found in Asia, particularly those at Jongmyo in Seoul.” Jihyun Park​
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Discover Illusion of Empty by Jihyun Park, for L’Artisan Parfumeur.​