Artaban

Praised for the incredible richness of its formula—no fewer than twenty-four aromatic plants imported at great expense from the most distant lands—this "royal perfume" was the idol of wealthy Romans. They clamored for it and doused themselves with it at every opportunity, as was the fashion of the time. Reinterpreted by Dominique Ropion, Artaban is a pure concentrate of the wonders of the plant world. One delights in its fragrant aromas: bittersweet marjoram, fruity-spicy cardamom, spikenard with its earthy, resinous, and woody accords, and green, herbaceous calamus with its many fragrant facets.

A book is included with every bottle purchased. Printed on Astier de Villatte's own printing presses, it recounts the story of three legendary perfumes. The bilingual French-English text is by Annick Le Guérer, Sophie Mazeaud, and Lionel Paillès. An interview between the creators of Astier de Villatte and perfumer Dominique Ropion completes this book, which is illustrated by the artist Eva Jospin.