The Amber Archives: Encre Violette

A study in purple — floral, shadowed and beautifully unconventional.

At the heart of Encre Violette lies a remarkable Indian amber oil, aged for approximately half a century. Rich, mellow and deeply resinous, this vintage material forms the foundation upon which layers of violet-toned florals are painted.

Iris and Cedarwood, introduces the attar’s defining character: powdery and softly floral, yet dry, woody and almost ink-like in its bitterness. Tuberose Absolute lends a creamy floral richness, while Lotus and Hyacinth bring cool, translucent shades of lilac and violet.

Red Champaca provides the counterpoint. Fruity, floral and faintly dirty in character, it threads flashes of deep red through the otherwise purple composition, giving Encre Violette an unexpected sensuality and depth. Violet completes the structure with a dry, elegant woody undertone.

The result is not simply an iris attar, nor a traditional floral amber. Encre Violette feels like colour translated into scent — violet ink bleeding slowly across aged parchment, surrounded by purple flowers, dark woods and the lingering warmth of antique amber.

Notes: Vintage Indian Amber, Iris, Cedarwood, Tuberose Absolute, Lotus, Red Champaca Absolute, Hyacinth and Violet.