Archivi tag: botanical perfumery

Botanical perfumery, Esperienza sensoriale immersiva, Geografia degli aromi, In English, Profumeria botanica, Roma

Nella bottega del profumiere — Storia e cultura olfattiva a Roma

La presentazione del volume Nella bottega del profumiere del professor Giuseppe Squillace è stata un’occasione per esplorare la storia della profumeria antica attraverso fonti documentarie, testimonianze letterarie e ricostruzioni delle pratiche compositive.

Dall’incenso alla mirra, dal nardo alla rosa, dal mirto all’iris, le materie aromatiche raccontano una storia millenaria di conoscenze, commerci, ritualità e ricerca della bellezza.

L’incontro ha proposto un dialogo tra ricerca storica ed esperienza sensoriale, affiancando alla presentazione del libro momenti di esplorazione olfattiva delle essenze botaniche descritte nelle fonti antiche.

Un’esperienza che testimonia come la cultura del profumo possa essere condivisa non soltanto attraverso le parole, ma anche attraverso il contatto diretto con le materie.

Oggi questo approccio continua nei miei eventi privati e workshop di profumeria botanica, dove storia, narrazione ed esperienza olfattiva si incontrano.

Inside the Perfumer’s Workshop — The History and Culture of Fragrance in Rome

The presentation of Nella bottega del profumiere (Inside the Perfumer’s Workshop), a book by Professor Giuseppe Squillace, offered an opportunity to explore the history of ancient perfumery through documentary sources, literary accounts and reconstructions of traditional fragrance-making practices.

From frankincense and myrrh to spikenard, rose, myrtle and iris, aromatic materials reveal a history spanning thousands of years, shaped by knowledge, trade, ritual practices and the pursuit of beauty.

The event brought together historical research and sensory experience, combining the presentation of the book with guided olfactory exploration of the botanical materials described in ancient sources.

It was an opportunity to experience how the history of fragrance can be shared not only through words, but also through direct encounters with aromatic materials.

Today, I continue to bring this approach to my private botanical perfumery workshops and sensory events.

Aromatherapy, Botanical perfumery, In English, Materia Viva in English

Samhain and Rosemary Verbenone: The Scent of Autumn

Samhain is an ancient Celtic festival marking the transition from autumn to winter. Traditionally associated with the meeting of the visible and invisible worlds, it represents a time of endings, renewal and introspection.

As nature gradually withdraws into its winter rest, Samhain invites us to slow down, release what has come to an end and turn our attention inward.

Among the plants associated with this seasonal passage is rosemary, particularly Rosmarinus officinalis ct. verbenone, an aromatic variety often found in Corsica.

Its essential oil has a distinctive olfactory character: fresh, balsamic, clear, with an almost salty quality. I like to call it “Rosemary of the Heavens”, because its fragrance evokes blue skies, open spaces and a sense of expansiveness.

In aromatherapy, rosemary verbenone is appreciated for its refreshing, clarifying aroma. Used in atmospheric diffusion, it can accompany moments of concentration, meditation and quiet reflection.

Its fragrance seems to move upwards, creating an interesting contrast with the seasonal movement of Samhain, when light symbolically descends into the earth.

A note on safe use: Rosemary verbenone essential oil contains the ketone verbenone and requires particular care. Use small amounts, avoid prolonged exposure, and seek qualified advice before topical or therapeutic use, especially during pregnancy or in the presence of medical conditions.

At this turning point of the year, its bright, expansive scent offers a beautiful aromatic counterpoint to the stillness of autumn (if you love Rosemary, check Materia Viva, the aromatic ezine, which has a monography on the plant).