Shanghai Tang’s Chrysanthemum fragrance is a tribute to the quiet chrysanthemum –
the resilient, tenacious hermit that blooms in the cold, thrives in winter, and flourishes in the frost and snow.

In autumn, we set foot on the fabled Huangshan — the ‘Yellow Mountain’ — in Anhui province as we made our way through China on a journey to discover the most iconic plant-based scents. What welcomed us was a spectacular sight — a blanket of purple and yellow chrysanthemums cascading over the mountainside that towered into the clouds.

The herbal, earthy, elegant scent of chrysanthemums, the crisp tingle of the autumn breeze, the aromatic spices wafting out from the village was captured in the moment and distilled into our charming new fragrance.

One of the ‘Four Noble Ones’ in classic Chinese arts and literature, the chrysanthemum is a symbol of vitality and tenacity due to its ability to weather harsh conditions. It has been likened to the strong-willed individual that does not bow down to adversity and never demands attention.

The Chrysanthemum Home Fragrance Collection’s design echoes the quiet elegance of the chrysanthemum.

The outline of the graceful flower is depicted using watercolour techniques in contrasting yet complementing shades of rich violet to create depth, then elevated with luxurious gold-tone accents. The scented candle, housed in a fine bone china holder, features two charming variations of the motif set against an intricate lattice pattern.