Officina Profumo Farmaceutica Santa Maria Novella - Since 1221

Carta d'Armenia

Carta d'Armenia - Main image
$16 $32 In stock

Category: Other Products

Carta d'Armenia, sheets of paper infused with benzoin resin from Styrax trees, continuing a medicinal paper tradition documented from the 17th to the early 20th century. Burns without flame.

Description

Benzoin resin is extracted from Styrax trees and known for its balsamic, resinous character. For centuries it was used as a deodorant and sanitising agent in medical and domestic preparations. Carta d'Armenia continues this tradition: each of the 18 sheets is infused with benzoin resin and aromatic extracts. It burns without flame, releasing a persistent resinous accord into the air, and can also be used to perfume drawers and linen.

How to use

Hold the paper at one end and light the opposite end. Allow it to burn for a few seconds, then blow out the flame. The paper will continue to smoulder, releasing the fragrance. Place in a fireproof holder. Never leave unattended.

Description

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  • Benzoin resin is extracted from Styrax trees and known for its balsamic, resinous character. For centuries it was used as a deodorant and sanitising agent in medical and domestic preparations. Carta d'Armenia continues this tradition: each of the 18 sheets is infused with benzoin resin and aromatic extracts. It burns without flame, releasing a persistent resinous accord into the air, and can also be used to perfume drawers and linen.

  • Hold the paper at one end and light the opposite end. Allow it to burn for a few seconds, then blow out the flame. The paper will continue to smoulder, releasing the fragrance. Place in a fireproof holder. Never leave unattended.

Customer Reviews (5.0 / 5 · 5 reviews)

Zoe C. ★★★★★

The scent that drifts up from that tiny glowing edge is somehow both clean and ancient, like a church vestry. I keep a folded sheet in my desk drawer just to open it sometimes. It smolders without a flame, exactly as described, and the resin smell lingers for hours without being heavy.

Chloe G. ★★★★★

Burned a small piece on a saucer while reading last night, and the smoky-sweet benzoin smell filled the whole room without any open flame. It's exactly the kind of quiet, historical ritual you'd expect from something documented since the 1600s. My only issue is pacing myself—this pack won't last a w

Elizabeth P. ★★★★★

The benzoin resin really comes through when you light a sheet—the scent is rich and calming without being overpowering. I’ve been using it in my study while reading, and one sheet burns slowly enough to last a good while, which feels like a small ritual each time.