THE STORY

Sadayu

Sadayu is the emerald-green bird of the Ramakien, Thailand's telling of the Ramayana. A son of the Garuda king, he confronts Ravana during Sita's abduction and, though gravely wounded, uses his remaining strength to bring news to Rama. Courage in this story is inseparable from honesty and loyalty. The fragrance begins with the feeling of a bird moving through open air, before revealing a warmer, steadier character underneath.

Spearmint and bergamot make a cool, bright first impression. Spearmint gives the opening its clear green freshness, while bergamot adds a lighter citrus sparkle. It suggests wind moving through leaves, bringing an easy sense of movement to the scent. This is the starting point for a contemporary fougere, a style that brings aromatic greenery into contact with a warmer base.

Holy basil becomes the distinctive voice at the heart. Its green, gently spicy smell is immediately recognisable, while its sacred associations in Indian culture connect with the story's character. Myrrh adds resinous depth, warm spice and a little sweetness. The herbs remain clear, but the impression gradually becomes softer and more settled as they meet the resin.

Ambroxan and coumarin support the later stages. Coumarin introduces a gentle, creamy sweetness beneath the leaves and spice, and ambroxan gives the warmer part a smooth structure. The fragrance changes from cool and open to quietly comforting without losing its green identity. Spearmint and holy basil remain part of the experience, keeping the image of an emerald bird and moving air close at hand as a softer warmth develops below them.