ZAHAROFF
Basileus Precious Treasure

2024

PERFUMER
Claude Dir

cardamom
timur pepper
sichuan pepper

star jasmine
freesia
cedarwood
bushman candle
frankincense

tonka bean
oakmoss
bourbon vanilla
ebony wood
sandalwood

‘Inspired by a conversation with Master Perfumer Claude Dir of MANE, I learned of an ancient oil harvested by the Himba People of Africa through sustainable, traditional methods. This discovery lead him to create not just a fragrance, but a complete sensory experience, housed in an obsidian black bottle adorned with Byzantine script and enclosed in an intricately crafted walnut wood chest with mother-of-pearl inlays, handmade by artisans in Gaziantep, Turkey. This story culminated in a profound journey to Namibia’s Skeleton Coast with Scents of Namibia, where I met with Himba women to present the finished creation. This encounter transformed me into something far more meaningful than a mere business transaction – it becomes a celebration of human connection and cultural preservation. For the launch of Precious Treasure, I decided to create a limited run with a handmade wood box, limited to 500 pieces. However, Precious Treasure will remain a part of the Zaharoff Basileus Collection and this is for the very first 500 bottles. Precious Treasure combines precious ingredients from around the world, including Guatemalan cardamom, Namibian Bushman Candle, and Australian sandalwood, creating a testament to both ancient wisdom and modern perfumery. Through this journey, I discovered that the true “precious treasure” lies not in the fragrance itself, but in the authentic human connections and preserved traditions it represents.’ – Zaharoff