Rozu, from Aesop was released in 2020. The perfumer behind this creation is Barnabe Fillion. It has the top notes of Bergamot, Bitter Orange, Pink Pepper, Rose, and Shiso, middle notes of Guaiac Wood, Jasmine, Rose, and Ylang-Ylang, and base notes of Musk, Myrrh, Patchouli, Sandalwood, and Vetiver.
A rose I immediately enjoy is a rare creature indeed, and this one conjures the fierce tenderness of Yosano Akiko's verse. I don't know how this extraordinary poet would feel about this fragrance, but I am channeling her spirit for these impressions.
Ancient wood smoke drifts between scattered fog. Morning bell echoes— I taste metal on my tongue, spring's sharp, necessary cut.
Green leaf floating in the temple's shallow puddle reflects my true face. A mantis waves its thin arms in mock benediction.
Thorn-pricked finger traces rose oil, crimson poems on sleep-soft limbs, bitter sutras cannot wash this sweetness from memory.