Scent Journal - Fig
Taking note of the scents that inspire us
In Italy the wild fig tree, ficus rumenalis, had religious and mythological significance in the founding of ancient Rome. It grew near a small cave known as the Lupercal at the foot of the Palatine Hill where, according to Roman legend, twins Romulus and Remus found shelter in their suckling by a she-wolf. Romulus went on to become the founder of Rome (after offing his brother, Remus in a brotherly dispute…it was a strange time).
Figs have long held an esteemed position in Italian culture representing fertility, peace and prosperity. The distinct scent of the fresh, green leaves and ripened fruit makes it one of the most identifiable and replicated in the fragrance world, and one that we’re equally drawn too.
The powerful scent that comes from the large, leathery leaves is just gorgeous. Rip open one to further unleash bright hits of green grass, creamy coconut and light vanilla notes with so much personality to it that is unlike any other leafy scent. Even from a distance, the leaves alone fill the air with their juicy aroma. Enough to make you stop, breathe in, and smile. When they begin to dry, new layers of sweet hay and nutty spice complement the rich, coconut heart. Think Thai ice tea and you’re on the right track.
The fruit of the fig is delicious and flavorful but doesn’t have the scent throw of the leaves. What we associate with a fig smell (jammy, sweet, sugary) comes from what we taste. The figs, when ripe, or even overripe, give off a delicate, sweet scent, maybe with the slightest touch of golden honey. The fruit over-mature very quickly so that scent descends rapidly into a quieter, darker place, but still subtle compared to the pungent leaves.
Although fig is one of the most popular scents in perfumery they are always an interpretation of what fig smells like since there is no fig essential oil to use in its pure form. It’s a glorious scent with a rich history that we couldn’t help but create our own interpretation of. For us, the Roman mythology and Italian culture became an equal to the powerful notes of the leaves and fruit…
“Breathe in an ancient legend of the founding of Rome. Under the branches of a wild fig tree extending shelter to newborn twins. Sweet nectar, milk-like, fragrant of ripened, dark fruit. Protective as the she-wolf nurturing the sons of an empire. Unaware of its place in history. Ritualistic devotion scents the air with smoldering resins drifting languidly from plebeian grottos through the windows of noble Roman studios carrying with it a sensation of stillness unattached to time.”
We imagined an atmospheric and all-enveloping fig fragrance. Of late in the season when the fruit is overly ripe and beings to split, revealing the rose-colored succulent texture inside and the sweet scent of the cut leaves fills the humid summer air. A fragrance that transports you across time from the altars of the earliest days of Rome through the shades of a modern Roman villa where a gentle smoke lifts from an offering plate of dried, amber-hued resins from its position in the corner of the dimly lit study.
STUDIO ROMANO scented candle and reed diffuser