Spring River Flowers Moon Night
The river is smooth and calm this evening,
The peony flowers bloom.
The moon floats on the current.
The tide carries the stars.
— Qian Qi (Tang Dyanasty)
Pink peonies and feminine grace. This perfume
blasts pink all over you in its opening. Pink pepper, pink peonies and juicy
raspberries. I was blown away by the first spray. It is as floral as well as
fruity with a slight hint of sweetness.
The perfume is named after the Chinese city of
Suzhou, a city whose classical gardens are on UNESCO’s world heritage list. The
peony is at the heart of China. It is said that Emperor Wu Zetian once wanted
to tour the famed Ganden Shangyuan and all the flowers were ordered to bloom
overnight. But the peony refused as all the other flowers bloomed. The Emperor
was furious and burned all the peonies. After this tragic event, it is said
that the peonies bloomed and gained respect as the king of flowers.
The heart of the flower is that of rose, amber
and musk, all of which is perfectly blended and you only get a floating fragrance
of each. One minute I can smell the rose and the next minute it would be a
faint smell of musk. It is sweet and fruity but not over bearing. The perfume
sits close to my skin or so I thought the first time I tried it. But then
people kept asking me what I was wearing. The longevity is good as well
although I do tend to overspray sometimes.
For me this is a day perfume. Something light
enough for work as well as to go out and have tea with your friends. Perhaps a
walk in the garden in spring amidst the peonies would be perfect.
