Scent scaping is a practice that stimulates our sense of smell and uplifts our mood. Home fragrances such as diffusers, scented candles, and linen sprays are powerful tools that can transport us to another time and place. In my home, scented candles have become more than just decorative items lit only for special occasions. They have become an integral part of my daily routine, adding a sense of ceremony to even the most mundane tasks.
The refreshing scent of a forest or ocean breeze can transform a morning routine into a sacred ritual. Lighting a candle in the morning is akin to saying a small prayer of appreciation. It inspires moments of peace and stillness before beginning another busy 18-hour workday. Candles are also useful for setting intentions. I love lighting my Trudon Carmelite candle, which has a fresh and mossy scent inspired by ancient churches and convents, before starting my morning breathwork and yoga flow.
Just like candles, the brewing of tea has a mindful and ceremonial quality that promotes calmness, concentration, and mental clarity. Although I am still transitioning from coffee to tea, I have come to value the traditional ritual of brewing dried leaves and fruits in the mid-afternoon and before bedtime. When Trudon recently announced their partnership with renowned tea expert Master Tseng for The Journey of Water line in March, I was excited to incorporate these unique candles into my daily candle-lit routines.
Meet An Icon: Master Tseng of Maison Trois Thes
Master Tseng is a highly respected figure in the culinary and tea world, regarded as a modern icon. Her expertise spans from plantation to production to tasting, and she has been instrumental in bringing Chinese tea to the global market. Her impressive palate and sense of smell have earned her the admiration of gastronomy and perfume experts worldwide. She has also worked with renowned chefs such as Guy Savoy, Alain Senderens, Joel Robuchon, and Pierre Gagnaire to create tea pairings.
Maison de Trois Thes, Master Tseng’s tea house in Paris, is home to over 1000 varieties of tea. This vast collection of fragrant leaves has opened new avenues for the ancient art of brewing tea to become a part of modern living. Master Tseng’s recent collaboration with Trudon offered another opportunity to bring the art of tea into every home. “Initially, I thought that making tea and making candles had nothing in common when Trudon approached me,” says Master Tseng. However, a closer look revealed that both luxury houses, Trudon and Maison Trois Thes, shared the same values of artistry and excellence.
“I realized that I was dealing with genuine craftsmanship, like the level of craftsmen I meet in the various disciplines required to produce tea at the highest level,” she notes. Master Tseng also points out the similarities between the two houses by stating, “Trudon is deeply rooted in the tradition and history of France, while tea in my field is rooted in the tradition and history of China.”
When Tea And French Candle Making Meet
Master Tseng, an icon in the culinary and tea world, is known for her expertise in Chinese tea production, plantation, and tasting. Her flawless palate and nose have garnered the respect of perfume and gastronomy experts worldwide, and she has worked alongside renowned chefs such as Alain Senderens, Guy Savoy, Joel Robuchon, and Pierre Gagnaire to create tea pairings. With her Maison de Trois Thes in Paris, which houses over 1000 types of tea, Master Tseng has opened new doors for the ancient art of brewing to become part of modern living.
In March, Master Tseng collaborated with Trudon, a luxury candle maker, on a new collection called The Journey of Water. Working closely with Trudon’s Creative Director, Julien Pruvost, they sought to bring the essence of tea to the maison’s coveted scented candles. While they initially struggled to capture the flavors of tea in a candle, they soon realized that they could honor the tea universe embodied by Master Tseng through a tribute to its richness and beauty.
The collaboration resulted in three fragrances, each one tracking the various phases of water. L’Esprit de l’Eau, the first scent, is a clearing and energizing fragrance that captures the journey of water over mountain rocks. It is infused with woody notes of cedar and cypress, and punctuated by sparkling pepper and juniper berry.
Julien Pruvost explained that Master Tseng’s presence, precise handicraft, and beautiful tea utensils, among other things, inspired him to create a collection that mirrored the life of Master Tseng. The experience left a lasting impression on him, and he became convinced that Trudon, with its age-old attachment to refinement and excellence, would be able to create candles that pay tribute to the richness and beauty of the tea universe.
For Master Tseng, the collaboration with Trudon presented an opportunity to bring the art of tea to every home. While she initially thought that making tea and candles had nothing in common, she soon discovered that both Trudon and Maison Trois Thes shared the same codes for artistry and excellence. She notes the similarity between the two houses, stating that “Trudon is deeply rooted in the tradition and history of France. In my field, tea is rooted in the tradition and history of China.”
The Journey of Water by Master Tseng and Trudon is a testament to the beauty of scentscaping, which can awaken our olfactory senses and elevate our mood. The collection captures the essence of tea and pays tribute to the richness and beauty of the tea universe lived and embodied by Master Tseng.
