But every time it rains
You’re here in my head
Like the sun coming out
Ooh, I just know that something good is going to happen
-Cloudbusting- Kate Bush
Discovering DI SER Perfumes
About half a year ago Yasuyuki Shinohara from the Hokkaido based company Di Ser, was so friendly to send me a free sample set of 8 Di Ser fragrances along with my purchase of Tsuki. I tested all of the samples and was so enthusiastic that I thought it’d be a nice idea to share the pleasure of reviewing these special perfumes with perfume blogger Esperanza. She gladly accepted and we met up twice to sample the perfumes and have some tea with cakes on the side! We sampled all four of Diser’s agar wood collection perfumes” Kyara, Shiragoromo, Hasunoito and Sasora.
Sasora is another fragrant wood used in Kōdō.*This fragrance expresses the traditional flavor of ancient Japan. This perfume, extracted from Kyara, Agarwood and blended with Japanese yuzu, is finished as a suitable scent for Japanese traditional clothing and kimono.’ (Official Di Ser website)
Chester: “Sasora is a subtle perfume with a most pleasant fresh and green opening. Through the fresh yuzu burst in the opening you can smell the patchouli. Perhaps it’s the ‘tingling’ effect this one has on my skin but I find the fragrance to be calming yet alert at the same time. Sasora becomes more woody and soft after a while.”
Shiragoromo (Agarwood Collection)
‘Shira Goromo means white cloth. In Japan, white is a sacred color, representing purity and cleanliness. This is a perfume that represents the “beauty” of innocence using the white flowers Roses and Jasmine. Balance has been created by adding Kyara and Agarwood to the Jasmine and Roses.’ (Official Di Ser website)
Notes: Agarwood (oud), Yuzu (citrus fruit), Jasmine Sambac, Jasmine Grandiflorum, Rose Absolute, Spikenard. Fragrance family: Oriental/Floral/Woody (according to Di Ser website)
Esperanza: ” When I first smelled Shiragoromo woody notes and uplifting citrus fruit evoked a relaxing and activating feeling. The woody notes could be from the Spikenard or its combination with Agarwood. Spikenard oil (botanical name: nardostachys jatamansi) was traditionally used to uplift the mood and stimulate relaxation. Shiragoromo gave me the impression of smelling incense which is probably due to the spikenard which is not surprising as it is used to make incense. The ancient Egyptians already used to make incense with spikenard. Shiragoromo smelled like a room fragrance to me. I would gladly use this fragrance at home to evoke a relaxing atmosphere. It scented quite special as it does not smell like anything I have scented before. ”
Pencils & Perfumes 鉛筆と祈りと香水―香りの世界と出会う場所 