The elusive ink note adds a unique facet to fragrance compositions. Its sooty, camphorous scent lends a beguiling hook to top notes. Rich, earthy notes not dissimilar to patchouli add depth to this synthetic accord. One might envision a love letter handwritten in wet ink using an olden quill pen.
According to Chinese and Japanese tradition, ink most commonly exists in stick form. Once rubbed with water on an inkstone, the ink stick becomes liquid and can be used for writing and painting. The deepest quality carbon black ink is created from burning the roots of pine trees. Other ink qualities are derived from burning oils. During this process, the carbon black is kneaded into a glue binder to form the sticks. Scents or pigments, like sepia or indigo, are sometimes mixed in to develop blacks with subtle nuance and variation. It is these special touches that give ink its distinct and special fragrance.
People's Republic of China, Japan
Comme des Garçons 2 introduces a note of ink, Japanese "sumi", which, associated with aldehydes and incense, contrasts with the warmth of cumin and cedarwood, to play with reflection and opacity, with mirrors and brilliance, with light and shadow.
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