Solitude Reader’s Candle Mystery Box

Solitude is but a break for us to seek thy self, connect more deeply, and converse more intimately. It is an honour to work with the National Museum of History, embarking on this journey of solitude through the works of modern masters Sanyu, Ma Pai-sui and Lin Yu-shan.  These artists were master observers during their times, who captured the overlooked, daily scenery down to its last detail, colour and brushstroke. 

The concept behind the Reader’s Candle is to create a deeper connection between the artists and viewers through scent, the most powerful of the five senses. It celebrates a bond that transcends boundaries while serving as a daily reminder of the artist’s work. The candle also comes with an exclusive reading list inspired by the artist’s life story and inspirations. By pairing scent and words, we hope you’ll enjoy a new experience and immerse yourself in the world of art.

The Solitude Reader’s Candle mystery box encourages the viewer to pick a scent and scenery that speaks to them most through intuition.

_______

Sanyu candle scent profile

Key ingredients: Geranium bourbon, jasmine, lavender, palmarosa, sandalwood, vetiver

When designing the scent for Sanyu, I was inspired by the fire element, which reminds me of his passion for living. Though the artist was lonely and reclusive, his works radiated a deep sense of wonder and introspection. This rose-inspired scent echoes Sanyu's inner landscape and provides companionship for those who seek solitude. Jasmine adds a graceful yet exhilarating Eastern touch, balanced by geranium's spiciness, and vetiver and sandalwood's serenity.

Ma Pai-sui candle scent profile

Key ingredients: Bergamot, geranium bourbon, lavender, lemon, neroli, petitgrain, sage, Siberian fir, shiso, white champak leaf

Water embodies the essence of Ma Pai-Shui's name as well as his flowy style. Inspired by Ma's style, I added notes of lemon, petitgrain and shiso to capture his young and vivacious spirit. Siberian fir and bergamot reflect his poetic tenderness and the ethereal world he created through ink. White champak leaf — a fragrance that graces the streets of Taiwan in spring — epitomises nostalgia, and by combining it with lavender, it becomes my interpretation of Ma's longing for his home.

Lin Yu-shan candle scent profile

Key ingredients: Atlas cedarwood, bergamot, cypress,  petitgrain, ravensara, spike lavender, shiso, white champak leaf

When designing a fragrance for Lin Yu-shan, I was instinctively drawn to his love for the land. Lin always approached his subjects humbly, and his ordinary people, animals and landscapes are full of life and profound serenity. For this reason, Atlas cedar is added to promote introspection, inviting the viewers to seek inspiration with a quiet heart. Cypress brings clarity and connects us deeply with our inner selves and nature. Bergamot uplifts and soothes the mind, while the graceful white champak leaf leads our minds back into the beauty of Lin Yu-shan's art.