osMoz > Encyclopedia > The history of fragrances > Middle Age

Encyclopedia

explore the site

FROM THE EXPERTS

Black violets for Creed

This September, niche brand Creed will be aiming to rei... Go

 
During the Middle Ages, plants were used to protect against epidemics whereas perfumes from the Orient whispered of carnal pleasures. The Church condemned alchemists.
 
During that era, the crusaders brought back from the Orient new raw materials and fragrance techniques. Following in the footprints of the Chinese and the Arabs, the European alchemists discovered ethyl alcohol and the distillation. The travels of Marco Polo gave a tremendous boost to the spice trade. It was believed that pleasant smells had disinfectant properties and protected against epidemics : The wealthy carried around "fragrance balls" filled with musk, amber or aromatic resins. The use of fragrance ushered in a new art of living. Poets celebrated femininity with passion. In spite of a stern warning from the Church, the gentlemen and their ladies used sensual, scented baths to indulge in carnal pleasures.

 



1
"Tacuinum Sanitatis." Miniature. Eau de rose. Giraudon.

2
Spherical pomander. Northern Italy. Fragonard.

3
"Tacuinum Sanitatis." Miniature. Sale of musk. Giraudon.