Shunkoin, from Xerjoff was released in 2012. The perfumer behind this creation is unknown. The notes are Cherry Blossom, Olibanum (Frankincense), Orris Root, Powdery Notes, Sandalwood, Tea, Vanilla, Woody Notes.
Wow! This fragrance has taken my understanding of vanilla fragrances and totally shaken them up. I expect a double vanilla, thick, dark coloured liquid like essence when I think of a good niche vanilla. Shunkoin has a much more delicate hand though, leading me into the composition very steadily. I mean this fragrance is sweet but very cleverly engineered not to be cloying or curdle with spices out of place in what is quite a sheer and milky context. There's a greenness to the opening which is not unlike that papyrus/sandalwood thing I don't like. This can only be the tea judging by the notes listed here and in combination with a very subtle powder note from iris or orris root. This becomes more apparent as the fragrance goes on. Another thing which surprises me is a lovely almond and coconut smell, a natural partner for vanilla but can go very wrong, the handling here is with care and quality, all hallmarks of Xerjoff. I really like this scent I have to say, if you like powdery understated vanilla then you've come to the right place. Also despite being a very subdued scent by nature it lasted very, very well on my skin to the point I was surprised even suspecting that it got stronger than when first applied.
Wow! This fragrance has taken my understanding of vanilla fragrances and totally shaken them up. I expect a double vanilla, thick, dark coloured liquid like essence when I think of a good niche vanilla. Shunkoin has a much more delicate hand though, leading me into the composition very steadily. I mean this fragrance is sweet but very cleverly engineered not to be cloying or curdle with spices out of place in what is quite a sheer and milky context. There's a greenness to the opening which is not unlike that papyrus/sandalwood thing I don't like. This can only be the tea judging by the notes listed here and in combination with a very subtle powder note from iris or orris root. This becomes more apparent as the fragrance goes on. Another thing which surprises me is a lovely almond and coconut smell, a natural partner for vanilla but can go very wrong, the handling here is with care and quality, all hallmarks of Xerjoff. I really like this scent I have to say, if you like powdery understated vanilla then you've come to the right place. Also despite being a very subdued scent by nature it lasted very, very well on my skin to the point I was surprised even suspecting that it got stronger than when first applied.