Untitled by Mahmoud Hamadani from the Odes collection. Treatment by @a_nose_knows (dana) for Von Eusersdorff Classic Myrrh

If you take an eggplant and you measure its electromagnetic field with an infrared scanner, you get a series of vibration patterns that look, more or less, like a stack of wires. Slow down the vibrations until they enter the sound spectrum, and the image changes to look like one of Mahmoud Hamedani’s, brilliant-mathematician-turned-artist, mind-blowing info-graphic art pieces.

Truffle vibrations (still from “Empire of Scents”). Photo treatment by @a_nose_knows for Von Eusersdorff Classic Myrrh

Plus, the eggplant starts to sing.

In fact, almost everything around us can thus reveal a sound signature, from low hums to the metallic, high trebles of the white truffle. By means of calchiation, the smell they carry, too, can associate to the meaning, and so we end up with… the visual representation of the way a smell sounds!

Kandinsky- Several Circles (detail)

Remains to be seen if whole compositions can be analyzed in such a precise manner- we’d need time, the raw ingredients, and a stacked graphic model not unlike, say, the layered grills in an oven. Not of any apparent value- but, in theory, it can be done. (Documentarists, myself included, maintain that understanding the technical aspects of a Kandinsky piece is simply understanding the technical aspects of a Kandinsky piece and won’t bring anyone any closer to producing a Kandinsky piece themselves; therefore art, of which perfumery is only now starting to partake as a full creative mean, is better discussed by concept, rather than by execution).

Untitled by Mahmoud Hamadani from the Traces collection. Photo treatment by @a_nose_knows for Von Eusersdorff Classic Myrrh

Von Eusersdorff Classic Myrrh, in concept, is rather simple, and thus meditative- the myrrh presents almost raw, with a very realistic construction of the radiant, crystalline cassant compound. The opening is warm and liquid, slightly herbaceous with sweet patchouli and tannic opoponax; thin smoke veils an honest incense and the effect is comforting and familiar from the start. As it sets,  dusty elements surface with the only (slight) presentation of texture: occasional citruses, velvety (and vague) florals, and a raspy vetiver appear for context and support, breaking the fluidity with a temporary—and needed—hum of dry undertones. The base goes simply back into a crystalline state, where tendrils of creaminess sit suspended like a leaf in amber, rendering the result introspective, luminous, and as substantial as the drawing of a sound.

Official notes: incense, vetiver, cedar, petit grain, guaiac wood, violet, sandalwood, patchouli, labdanum.

Other perceived notes: myrrh, opoponax, benzoin, musk, pepper, dust, hot copper, cola, grape juice, pine.

Disclaimer: Classic Myrrh selected by me and provided for analysis directly by Von Eusersdorff. Thank you.

–dana sandu, Sr.  Contributor

 

Self-portrait with Classic Myrrh. Photo and treatment by @a_nose_knows for Von Eusersdorff

Thanks to the generosity of Von Eusersdorff, we have a 100 ml bottle of Classic Myrrh for one registered reader in the US, EU, and Canada.  You must register here or your comment will not count. To be eligible, please tell us what spoke to you in dana’s review of Von Eusersdorff Classic Myrrh, and where you live.  Do you have a favorite  Von Eusersdorff Draw ends 11/11/2019

Camille Henfling of Von Euserdorff

Editor’s note: According to Camille Henfling, the Netherlands-based perfumer and creative director behind the Von Eusersdorff line, the Von Eusersdorff family was prominent in trading rare oils and flower essences and running apothecaries as far back as the fifteenth century. As a direct descendant of that lineage, Mr. Henfling made a late-career decision to carry on his heritage and create perfume. Studying in Grasse to hone his skills, and working with an experienced team, he has created a line of well-made perfumes that are based on classic perfumery notes. He launched the line in 2010 with Classic Patchouli, followed by Classic Myrrh, Classic Mimosa, and Classic Vetiver in 2011. To read former (RIP) Managing Editor Tama Blough’s fragrance reviews of Classic Patchouli, Classic Myrrh, Classic Mimosa, Classic Orange and Classic Vetiver (please click here). At the time that Tama wrote the review of the collection, the perfumes were not available in the USA.  Twisted Lily and Indigo Perfumery both carry the line.  Sr. Editor Lauryn Beer’s review of Patchouly Balmy here.

Follow us on Instagram @cafleurebon  @a_nose_knows  @von_eusersdorff