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Cleopatra had the sails of her ship soaked in perfume oils, so that all would know when her ship was approaching as it made its way down the Nile. If you ask me, it's more than likely that it wasn't Helen of Troy's face that launched 1000 ships so much as her perfume. Of the fact that natural perfume has an ancient history there can be no doubt. Real jasmine, tuberose, and nutmeg, among many others (one of the sexiest aromas I know of is petitgrain sur fleur), have an uncanny ability to bring out the charm in oneself; and this is not to mention the various phenomenal animal scents available to natural perfumers, full of real pheromones not synthesized ones.
Author: Adam Gottschalk
The Original Art of Seduction: Natural Perfume by Adam Gottschalk
12/06/09 20:15:05
By: Adam Gottschalk
Clearly, you wouldn't be reading this if people hadn't been making love forever. It follows that attempting to enhance one's allure has also been part of the human experience since ancient times. Until Houbigant released 'Fougere Royale' in 1884 all perfume through the ages was completely natural.
Natural perfume has been lending its sex appeal to folks from every walk of life since the dawn of civilization. Priests, rabbis, and shamans were the original perfumers, keepers of the sacred; from this fact we know for sure that, in olden times, love making was sacred, bound to the divine act of reproduction. To this day, fragrant anointing oils and incense are used regularly by every major religion the world over. Aromatics are mentioned in the context of divine gifts many times in the Torah, the Bible, and the Koran. History, not just the holy books, is chock full of aromatic glory.
Cleopatra had the sails of her ship soaked in perfume oils, so that all would know when her ship was approaching as it made its way down the Nile. If you ask me, it's more than likely that it wasn't Helen of Troy's face that launched 1000 ships so much as her perfume. Of the fact that natural perfume has an ancient history there can be no doubt. Real jasmine, tuberose, and nutmeg, among many others (one of the sexiest aromas I know of is petitgrain sur fleur), have an uncanny ability to bring out the charm in oneself; and this is not to mention the various phenomenal animal scents available to natural perfumers, full of real pheromones not synthesized ones.
Why am I a natural perfumer and why do I do what I do? By creating perfumes just as the great perfumers of days gone by did, I feel I am walking in historic foot steps. In this way, I sense a deep connection to the past, and, to a great extent, a duty to honor it. I find the challenge of making sublime aromas with only materials wrested from the earth a delightful challenge, one we're only too happy to meet. I am also deeply motivated by truth, integrity, and candor.
Right now, we're witnessing a true renaissance of the art in its original form. There is fervor again of artisans working with only natural aromatics, absolutes, concretes, home-made tinctures, etc. I know for a fact that natural perfumers the world over are creating notes we've never been able to get before naturally; people are madly tincturing dried exotic fruits, distilling what has not been successfully distilled before, using “enfleurage” to acquire what I call "holy-grail" aromas, honeysuckle, hyacinth, lily (ginger lily), etc.
Why do natural perfumers go to great lengths to accomplish these and similar tasks? Many of us explicitly aim to punctuate your life with startling beauty, real beauty, to bring you passion, olfactory and otherwise, and to maximize your appeal, on all levels, aesthetically, sensually, with mystery.
We compound what the earth alone gives us, and aim to remind our audience of innocence, to manifest the unspeakably sexy, and to bowl folks over with guileless intimacy and honesty. We hope to help you recapture the original dreams, fantasies, and satisfaction of perfume.
On that note, folks who comment on fragrances these days on Fragrantica, will be entered into a drawing to receive a jar of my gorgeous solid perfume, Anthea, an ode to the queen of flowers, jasmine, worth $120. Sultry and profound, this perfume will win you many admirers (or at the very least add to your following).
Professional natural perfume such as this is erotic, boldly sensual, and riveting, without ever being overpowering. Don't miss out on this rare chance to get some fantastic natural perfume.
Yours in fragrant delight,
Author: Adam GottschalkI have traveled extensively and speak several languages. I am a poet, playwright, and novelist, but I am broadly experienced in many arts. My final frontier as an artist is Natural Perfume, the highest art.
I've been making natural perfume for about five years, and soon will acquire the title Professional Perfumer from the Natural Perfumers Guild. I am a hedonist, an idealist, and a rabble rouser.
Images: shareski
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So wonderful there is someone in this modern age of everything fake & synthetic bringing to life the ancient art of perfumery the way it was done in the the times of the world's greatest civilizations - what a truly beautiful art form, Adam no doubt you are very passionate about what you do,a very enchanting article you wrote here.
12/29/09 18:14:42
Well done! I applaud your maiden (Fragnitica) article and I'm look forward to others.
Wine, like the aromatics in the Bible as sacred gifts and used ceremoniously. I find both hedonistic and seductive but somewhere along the line modern science/ scientists have high jacked the natural essence of these wonderful gifts. A renaissance is truly welcome.
From one rabble rouser to another. Cheers!
Wine, like the aromatics in the Bible as sacred gifts and used ceremoniously. I find both hedonistic and seductive but somewhere along the line modern science/ scientists have high jacked the natural essence of these wonderful gifts. A renaissance is truly welcome.
From one rabble rouser to another. Cheers!
12/26/09 22:07:23
Cheers all. I'm very happy you enjoyed it.
12/13/09 11:35:03
Adam, you really are a time traveller, and I am sure that "Anthea" is an evocation of history throughout the decades, and a return to the nature's breast, pure, and unique. The article itself, indulges us in the mystical world of fragrance, as it has been offered to us by nature. We are proud to have someone like Adam present us with such a touching article !
Thank you, Vlad
Thank you, Vlad
12/13/09 02:26:10
Hi Adam! Great article. If I already wasn't a believer, this article would surely make me one! Good show man!
Brian
Brian
12/12/09 16:19:50
Thank you Adam! Your article is beautiful and so full of passion! I love natural ingredients, essential oils and I always dreamt of a 100% natural perfume for me. You made me fall in enchantment only speaking about your Anthea, solid jasmine fragrance... OMG, I love jasmine so much! That has to be something really to-die-for!
Best luck for your work (art?)
**
Best luck for your work (art?)
**
12/11/09 06:57:02
Adam, thank you ... both for your art and for this article. Natural essences are sacred. I can feel the wisdom of those who have used these precious and rare gifts since the dawn of time whenever I use them, and I often do ... I look forward to experiencing your work first hand soon.
12/10/09 23:01:34
a site cannot claim to deal with all things perfume without including a forum on natural perfume these days. we're here and growing ;) and I do hope they keep you, to help keep others informed on the wonders and beauties of natural fragrance.
I feel people don't understand that naturals actually have an effect on the person beyond smell. It does go in to the blood stream…
I always tell people; it's healing to the soul like no other thing is. and only naturals can achieve this access, synths will revolt the soul. while (perhaps) pleasing the nose. there is a true power in naturals. just what people look for in perfume. not an advertising fake, a true strength. a true effect on the wearer and surrounding.
I feel people don't understand that naturals actually have an effect on the person beyond smell. It does go in to the blood stream…
I always tell people; it's healing to the soul like no other thing is. and only naturals can achieve this access, synths will revolt the soul. while (perhaps) pleasing the nose. there is a true power in naturals. just what people look for in perfume. not an advertising fake, a true strength. a true effect on the wearer and surrounding.
12/10/09 03:43:34
Hi Adam,
Thank you for your wonderful article. And thanks to Michelyn and Elena for the beautiful images.
How funny... as a teenager, one of my first fragrance "crush" was Cacharel's Anais-Anais. Could it be that this fragrance would eventually inspire some of us to create our own vision of fragrances?
I wish you lots of success with your fragrance line.
Keiko Mecheri
Thank you for your wonderful article. And thanks to Michelyn and Elena for the beautiful images.
How funny... as a teenager, one of my first fragrance "crush" was Cacharel's Anais-Anais. Could it be that this fragrance would eventually inspire some of us to create our own vision of fragrances?
I wish you lots of success with your fragrance line.
Keiko Mecheri
12/09/09 20:34:22
Thank you very much Mandy.
12/09/09 14:33:48
Adam, you wrote a beautiful piece about the inherent beauty and sensuality of natural perfumes! I am so pleased to hear that you will be writing about naturals here.
Mandy Aftel
Mandy Aftel
12/09/09 12:49:55
To all who commented on the great pictures in this article, I forgot to point out that I can't take credit for them. Michelyn and Elena put them together. It is indeed gorgeous. Thanks go to them. Can't thank them enough.
12/09/09 12:38:43
Hi Adam,
Thanks for writing the article and including the photos. I really liked it. I'm new to natural perfumery, and enjoying all the fun new information.
Debbie
Willakenzie Lavender,LLC
www.willakenzielavender.com
Thanks for writing the article and including the photos. I really liked it. I'm new to natural perfumery, and enjoying all the fun new information.
Debbie
Willakenzie Lavender,LLC
www.willakenzielavender.com
12/09/09 11:51:46
To all who have commented so far: As I have a chance to sample more natural perfumes, I will review them and make recommendations.
To my fellow natural perfumers: I look forward to sampling your products. Please PM me for the mailing address.
To my fellow natural perfumers: I look forward to sampling your products. Please PM me for the mailing address.
12/09/09 11:28:30
Thanks so much for the images in this article, I hadn't seen those beautiful paintings before. I know, it's silly to talk of paintings when there is so much other very nice art here, like writing and perfumery...
12/09/09 10:00:27
Thank you Adam for writing this wonderful historical piece on our craft of Natural Perfumery..It is great to have a forum to share the inner workings of the modern natural perfumer.
I look forward to trying Anthea as I love jasmine sambac and use it often.
Great pictures also.
I look forward to trying Anthea as I love jasmine sambac and use it often.
Great pictures also.
12/09/09 09:14:49
Great article, Adam! I love your approach and totally agree with you. I have been creating a few natural aromatics of my own with plans to do more soon, and reading articles like yours ignites more passion for the art. I look forward to trying some of your fragrant expressions :)
Many blessings!
Many blessings!
12/09/09 09:10:56
HI Adam,
I love fragrances but can not wear most synthetic perfumes without having an allergc reaction to them so I don't wear any perfume most of the time. I am pleased to learn that there are natural alternatives.....I would love to try some of your natural perfume some day.
All good things,
Sheree
I love fragrances but can not wear most synthetic perfumes without having an allergc reaction to them so I don't wear any perfume most of the time. I am pleased to learn that there are natural alternatives.....I would love to try some of your natural perfume some day.
All good things,
Sheree
12/09/09 06:27:30
what an alluring article. i wish you much success with your new business. may the pursuits of your pleasures and the joie de vivre that comes with such experiences refresh us, as well as yourself. looking forward to your fragrances.
B.
B.
12/08/09 22:40:07
It's such a shame that the internet cannot help us with the center of the experience of smell.
Through your blog, Adam, we will be able to measure somewhat the real interest for natural ingredients in a perfume. I'm afraid it's a very small minority, but with luck, the idea will expand.
Thanks,
Eaglenest
Through your blog, Adam, we will be able to measure somewhat the real interest for natural ingredients in a perfume. I'm afraid it's a very small minority, but with luck, the idea will expand.
Thanks,
Eaglenest
12/08/09 19:53:32
Adam,
Thank for this article. I look forward to learning more. I recently developed an allergy to my favorite perfume note-patchouli. I just love the depth it lends to a scent! I would love recommendations for alternatives in the natural perfumery line! Thanks!
Thank for this article. I look forward to learning more. I recently developed an allergy to my favorite perfume note-patchouli. I just love the depth it lends to a scent! I would love recommendations for alternatives in the natural perfumery line! Thanks!
12/08/09 19:18:45
I am one of the members who doesn't know anything about natural perfumes. which would you recommend for me. I really like clean, citrusy fragrances and fragrances with woody notes in them... my favorites are acqua di parma colonia assoulta , b-men by thierry mugler and wall street by bond no 9
12/08/09 19:03:18
Adam, nice article. I'm a huge naturals fan and am glad to see this article featured here on fragrantica. I hope you stick around and continue to lend us your perspective.
12/08/09 16:54:27
Dear Adam,
I'm impressed with your convictions as a perfumer solely interested natural scents. And I wholeheartedly give you my support as there are many people out there who cannot simply cannot wear mainstream fragrance full of synthetics. With good reason, they complain of allergies and headaches. And don't get me started on those with chemical sensitivities! Some people get red rashes all over after one spritz of perfume.
I also adore Jasmine, and strangely enough, a year ago I had thoughts of naming a future daughter [should I have the fortune to beget one] "Anthea" being a very rare and simply beautiful name.
I simply must sample Anthea. A solid parfum, intriguing indeed.
I'm impressed with your convictions as a perfumer solely interested natural scents. And I wholeheartedly give you my support as there are many people out there who cannot simply cannot wear mainstream fragrance full of synthetics. With good reason, they complain of allergies and headaches. And don't get me started on those with chemical sensitivities! Some people get red rashes all over after one spritz of perfume.
I also adore Jasmine, and strangely enough, a year ago I had thoughts of naming a future daughter [should I have the fortune to beget one] "Anthea" being a very rare and simply beautiful name.
I simply must sample Anthea. A solid parfum, intriguing indeed.
12/08/09 12:01:02
Greetings to you, Adam, and thank you for this inspiring article. I love the idea of standing in this tradition of priests, rabbis, shamans; indeed , I feel that artfully crafted perfumes can be a revelation...
12/08/09 11:06:44
Love-love-love natural perfume! Thanks for the beautiful images and aromas that your article brings to mind. Very nice. More please?
I could read "perfume" all day....
The best of luck with your perfume line!
Ragna
I could read "perfume" all day....
The best of luck with your perfume line!
Ragna
12/08/09 09:50:22
Wow Adam -- a fragrance your mother will wear--great work! And nice article too.
thanks!!
thanks!!
12/08/09 07:49:32
Nicely chosen pictures! They really help bring the column to life.
And I am very curious about your Anthea. :)
And I am very curious about your Anthea. :)
12/08/09 07:11:10
Nicely chosen pictures! They really help bring the column to life.
And I am very curious about your Anthea. :)
And I am very curious about your Anthea. :)
12/08/09 07:11:09
Danna, once you try my perfume, you will discover the sexiest perfume you've ever found. I promise.
Tenderblossoms: The raw materials natural perfumers use come in a number of categories. "Essential oils" are the top notes, watery, fleeting, not very powerful. Absolutes are heart and base notes. They're thicker than EOs. Many base notes are such that they are not usable from the bottle; the perfumer must dilute them to make them workable (some loosen up in a hot-water bath). Tinctures (and macerations, or oil infusions) are made simply by adding aromatic material to high-proof alcohol (or oil), letting it sit for 6 months (more or less), and straining.
The natural "perfumes" you've tried are almost certainly not made by a Professional. Bitter, herbal, underwhelming, those are all signs of someone who doesn't really know what they're doing. Natural perfume, professionally made, will wow you to no end.
Tenderblossoms: The raw materials natural perfumers use come in a number of categories. "Essential oils" are the top notes, watery, fleeting, not very powerful. Absolutes are heart and base notes. They're thicker than EOs. Many base notes are such that they are not usable from the bottle; the perfumer must dilute them to make them workable (some loosen up in a hot-water bath). Tinctures (and macerations, or oil infusions) are made simply by adding aromatic material to high-proof alcohol (or oil), letting it sit for 6 months (more or less), and straining.
The natural "perfumes" you've tried are almost certainly not made by a Professional. Bitter, herbal, underwhelming, those are all signs of someone who doesn't really know what they're doing. Natural perfume, professionally made, will wow you to no end.
12/08/09 06:54:49
Congratulations Adam on a wonderful article.
I have been fortunate to sample two of Adam's perfumes and can testify they are indeed very beautiful creations.
Well done Adam you are an inspiration to us learning this art form.
I look forward to reading more from you.
I have been fortunate to sample two of Adam's perfumes and can testify they are indeed very beautiful creations.
Well done Adam you are an inspiration to us learning this art form.
I look forward to reading more from you.
12/07/09 22:00:58
Thank you all for the comments. Sincerely happy you enjoyed it.
12/07/09 21:12:20
Congratulations, Adam, on a wonderful article! I love the pictures, (including yours!) and look forward to reading and learning more in the future.
Marlene
Marlene
12/07/09 17:03:11
Hi Adam, thank you for such a richly sensuous, thoughtful, and enjoyable article.
Acknowledgement and respect for our perfume ancestors makes it possible to stand on their shoulders to further their accomplishments with glorious botanical materials.
I look forward to becoming more acquainted with you and your perfumes.
Acknowledgement and respect for our perfume ancestors makes it possible to stand on their shoulders to further their accomplishments with glorious botanical materials.
I look forward to becoming more acquainted with you and your perfumes.
12/07/09 14:01:58
I've heard wonderful things about your perfumes from someone who knows your work and has exquisite taste. I am really looking forward to trying your perfumes and hope to hear more from you on Fragrantica.
12/07/09 10:16:04
Hi Adam!
Jasmine is my very favorite smelling flower. My husband loves it on me also. I am now jonesing after your Anthea.
Look foward to your future columns.
Jasmine Junkie Dawn. ;0
aka Dawn Danehart on FB.
Jasmine is my very favorite smelling flower. My husband loves it on me also. I am now jonesing after your Anthea.
Look foward to your future columns.
Jasmine Junkie Dawn. ;0
aka Dawn Danehart on FB.
12/07/09 10:01:28
Adam, the images you chose convey much about the history of natural perfumery. Solid fragrances can be particularly lovely and lasting. Hove', a perfumer in New Orleans, makes several. Tea Olive (osmanthus) seemed particularly lovely in a solid. I certainly want to smell your creations. Natural jasmine has a piquant green note deep in its base which the artificials lack.
12/07/09 08:02:49
Bravo, Adam, you have really summed up our old/new art brilliantly, and awakened quite a few folks to the beauty of NP also, I'm sure. I've experienced one of Adam's perfumes so far, and it is glorious; every natural essence shines and yet is balanced with the others.
Many thanks to fragrantica, because as Zoka noted, at least one online magazine has shut natural perfumery out. The vibrancy and huge readership of fragrantica more than compensates, however, and I'm happy to be part of the family here.
Oh, and the jasmine! You know it's calling my name, but since I'll probably get a sample when Adam submits his creations to the Guild, no need to place me in the drawing.
Many thanks to fragrantica, because as Zoka noted, at least one online magazine has shut natural perfumery out. The vibrancy and huge readership of fragrantica more than compensates, however, and I'm happy to be part of the family here.
Oh, and the jasmine! You know it's calling my name, but since I'll probably get a sample when Adam submits his creations to the Guild, no need to place me in the drawing.
12/07/09 06:58:52
Thanks for the comments. Jeca, Anthea is a solid perfume (in a base of organic jojoba and organic beeswax) which is a heady floral. It's basically a single-note affair (jasmine and j sambac) but it's got 7 notes altogether. My mother wore Cacharel's Anais Anais for years (the smell of which is permanently brain engraved); now she wears Anthea.
12/07/09 06:13:12
I so agree that perfume can "punctuate your life with startling beauty" and "maximise your appeal" - I view the stuff as a benign form of cosmetic surgery.
Thanks to Michelyn I have discovered a couple of brands of natural perfume and yours sounds intriguing too. I am a sucker for jasmine in particular!
Thanks to Michelyn I have discovered a couple of brands of natural perfume and yours sounds intriguing too. I am a sucker for jasmine in particular!
12/07/09 06:00:23
Welcome aboard Adam! It is so nice to meet such a passionate perfumers who have such a great respect for our noble materials. Would love to read from you more and try your creations! Get it to Belgium! :)
12/07/09 05:28:29
Adam, it is a pleasure to read your beliefs about perfumery and its tie to the profound in us.
I share those perceptions, too.
I look forward to learning more about your work, and experiencing it personally.
Welcome aboard !
I share those perceptions, too.
I look forward to learning more about your work, and experiencing it personally.
Welcome aboard !
12/07/09 04:37:50
good article , welcome
I would love to make perfumes in home and from natural materials , but unfortunately I don't know how ??
if there is a book or anything else that could help , please tell me
thank you
I would love to make perfumes in home and from natural materials , but unfortunately I don't know how ??
if there is a book or anything else that could help , please tell me
thank you
12/07/09 02:07:35
Hello Adam and welcome aboard. Natural perfumery an integral part of the ART of all perfumery... while other fragrance magazines seem to be phasing out this ancient art, Fragrantica will definitely support and dedicate a section on natural perfumery in our community and welcome all natural perfumers to join us.
12/06/09 23:14:01
I do not profess to be adept at the art of fragrance - merely a patron who like in all other art forms, appreciates the emotion and joy that fragrance can bring to you and others. Like art, it enhances your life. It evokes memories of childhood, family, friends and loved ones. It is important in so many ways. I look forward to reading more about your fragrance plans. Thanks.
12/06/09 22:12:08
Dear Adam welcome! ;o)
I am looking forward to try your perfume! Please tell us more about Anthea ;o)
I am looking forward to try your perfume! Please tell us more about Anthea ;o)
12/06/09 21:22:20
Wow, this is truly wonderful! Adam, you make the art of natural perfumery sound so exciting and creative, and the Anthea must be just divine.
12/06/09 21:15:18
Ok Adam,
show us something very old in new form, it seems you are on the best way to do a good natural perfuming which is, perfumers know, not too easy in modern times!
Courios Manuela
show us something very old in new form, it seems you are on the best way to do a good natural perfuming which is, perfumers know, not too easy in modern times!
Courios Manuela
12/06/09 21:11:52
Prepare to be impressed. Adam's blends are spectacular. Perhaps Adam's stellar writing skills will turn the tide on synthetic fragrance back to its rightful beginnings from the essence of nature. If anyone can do it, it's Adam Gottschalk.
12/06/09 20:55:19
Adam I agree with your assertion that it is the natural perfumers that will find the new notes and accords that we have never encountered before.
The other aspect to this is most of the natural perfumers are working on a smaller scale which allows for the patience required to make these ingredients.
I look forward to trying your fragrances I expect that I will be impressed.
The other aspect to this is most of the natural perfumers are working on a smaller scale which allows for the patience required to make these ingredients.
I look forward to trying your fragrances I expect that I will be impressed.
12/06/09 20:41:11
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