Narcissus

Narcissus takes its name from a Greek word meaning “to render powerless” or “to numb,” and has an intensely sweet, almost hypnotic scent. It is also said to combine the sensual side of jasmine (in Japanese) with the coolness of hyacinth. The variety particularly prized in perfumery is Narcissus poeticus, or “poet’s narcissus.”

It is used infrequently in perfume because it is very expensive, but its floral scent, close to that of the flower itself, is distinguished and exquisite.

Among the narcissi used as fragrance materials, jonquil is especially distinctive. Only 100 kg of its absolute (in Japanese) is produced each year, making it very expensive.

In Greek mythology, Narcissus is portrayed as a beautiful youth loved by men as well as women because of his extraordinary beauty. One day, as he bent toward the surface of a spring to drink, he saw reflected there a boy more beautiful than anyone he had ever seen. Narcissus fell in love at first sight and could not look away. As he gazed at the image, he wasted away and finally died. It is said that those who came to the spring looking for Narcissus, who had failed to return, found a single narcissus flower blooming there.

What Does It Smell Like in Perfume?

Natural narcissus absolute is a fragrance material obtained from the flowers of plants such as Narcissus poeticus. A green-leaf-like opening is layered with rich flowers and honey, followed by a sweet, dry lingering impression of hay, tobacco, and apricot. It lends florals a wild quality and shadowy depth. Narcissus Floraline 78 is an artificial reconstruction with floral, honeyed, green, and watery facets. It is made differently from the natural absolute and is a separate material for building the desired freshness and sweetness of narcissus.