Full Moon at the Temple features notes of fragrant white rice, shiso leaf, bitter yuzu zest, hinoki wood, green tea and lake water. From their website: Lady Murasaki, lady-in-waiting at the Imperial Court during Japan’s Heian period, ostensibly wrote Tale of Genji to entertain Empress Akiko. However, her clever sketch of court life became instantly popular and a thousand years later, many consider her to be the first modern novelist. Although her work is written in prose, embedded in the text are 800 waka poems — 31 syllables contained in 5 lines — most of them written by Genji as a way to enthrall the many women he loves and seduces. In the refined culture of the Heian period, the love poem was a staple of court life, so it seemed only fitting to represent the substance of Murasaki’s work with another equally glorious staple of life — fragrant white rice. Over this full bowl of rice, which looks something like a full moon, is laid a pungent shiso leaf and a curl of yuzu zest. Hints of citrusy hinoki wood and lake water softly accent a forgotten cup of green tea as our author begins her masterpiece. It is a water-based mist.
Fragrantica: Absolutely gorgeous, unique scent. Sits very close to the skin, and smells almost like soil and night air. Longevity isn't great, but it is one of the most beautiful scents I've ever tried.
Fragrantica: First impressions: This is atmospheric! Full Moon At The Temple is a little bitter and dirty (literal dirt/earth and I love it because it's transportive to the story Poesie is trying to tell). It's woody, green, aquatic with the faintest hit of “yuzu zest”. Perhaps the green note I’m picking up is the shiso leaf or green tea. Either way, it’s exactly the type of well blended atmospheric fragrance you could expect from an indie or niche house - except it doesn’t come with an egregious price tag. It’s also a skin scent so sillage and longevity are not expected. Instead of a powerhouse, it's delicate and transportive. It’s also completely gender neutral. For some reason, I don't seem to pick up Poesie's rice note in any of her fragrances but that could either be a maceration or a me issue. I think I’ll use this one occasionally so I can feel like a priestess doing rituals at the temple (semi-serious).The wind is blowing (20mph) and this is the cive. My s/o said “It’s as if you were at a tea house next to a sawmill.” The wood note is indeed the most prominent so far. I do wish I picked up on the white rice (at all) and more of the yuzu zest because that would have been perfect, but I'm glad she has it available in the custom sample set so I could try it. If anything changes, I'll be sure to update. I'm planning to let it macerate and re-try every couple weeks. The order came within a week and the aesthetic from this house fits Poesie's vibe well. Simple, soft, dreamy, imaginative.
Fragrantica: Honestly, this is kinda masterful. Delicate, evocative, nostalgic, fresh, peaceful. Really well executed as a concept, too.
Fragrantica: First impressions: A great example of telling a story and setting a scene with scent. The yuzu, rice, green and water notes all really paint such a full picture. A beautiful bouquet I can see working year-round.
Fragrantica: Full moon smells like a sweet yet natural earthy scent. it primarily smells like fresh rainwater and wood to me. I also get hints of citrus at the base. It smells so natural and beautiful. It smells like you have been walking through a rainforest that has citrus plants scattered throughout. whenever i wear this i get so many compliments. I also love how realistic the rainwater smells. it smells so fresh and delicate. It is a staple in my collection and i will definitely be repurchasing. thank you, Poesie!
