THE STORY

Samphathee

Samphathee is the red bird of the Ramakien and the elder brother of Sadayu. He shields his younger brother from the sun, losing his feathers and the ability to fly. Later, three cheers from Rama's army restore his wings, and he helps the army find its way towards Ravana's realm. His name brings a story of sacrifice and the return to flight into a perfume of smoke, spice and wood.

Choya loban opens with resinous smoke and a little sweetness within it. Cypriol adds an earthy, woody detail, while nutmeg gives the smoke a warmer spice. The first impression suggests a fire still in motion, with dry, sweet and heated facets that can be noticed separately rather than one heavy cloud of smoke.

Clove and rose gradually change the texture. Clove keeps the spice running through the heart, and rose introduces softer petals and a colour associated with Samphathee's red feathers. Palo santo brings a gentler woody smoke, drawing the fragrance away from the stronger flames of its opening and closer to the flowers. The wood remains a clear support beneath them.

Patchouli and cedarwood provide the foundation. The earthy patchouli connects naturally with the cypriol encountered earlier, while cedarwood gives the finish a dry, smooth structure. As the spices become quieter, smoke sits more closely beside the flowers and woods. The scent follows the change from a forceful first impression to a softer warmth, keeping a trace of spice within it. Rose stays soft beneath the smoke as the dryness of cedarwood becomes clearer, keeping flowers, spice and warm wood close together in the finish.