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Francis Kurkdjian, the perfumer behind the internet sensation Baccarat Rouge 540, also helped redesign a historic French home fragrance product. He collaborated with a 141-year-old brand to turn traditional incense papers into contemporary domestic scents.
What is Papier d’Arménie?
Papier d’Arménie, often translated as Armenian Paper, produces thin incense strips intended to be burned briefly to scent and deodorise rooms. The formula for its papers is kept secret, and the product is one of the oldest of its kind on the market.
The classic pack, known as Tradition, is presented in a small booklet containing 12 sheets, with three perforated strips per sheet. To use one, place a strip on a non-flammable surface, light it, then extinguish the flame so the paper smoulders and releases fragrant smoke. The Tradition scent is described as balsamic with vanilla notes.
Kurkdjian’s collaborations
Kurkdjian — a French perfumer of Armenian heritage who also serves as an in-house perfumer at Dior and runs his own label — first worked with Papier d’Arménie during the Year of Armenia in France. In 2006 he partnered with Mireille Schvartz, the founder’s great-granddaughter, to update the product and introduce a new fragrance called Arménie. The result aimed for a warmer, woodier character suitable for colder months.
Some years later, Kurkdjian returned to the line and developed a softer, rose-forward option simply named Rose. That version keeps the comforting qualities of Tradition while adding gourmand touches and prominent rose extracts.
Variants, prices and home options
Today the incense strips are available in three main variations and are positioned as an affordable way to scent a home. On Papier d’Arménie’s French website the listed prices are:
- Two Tradition booklets: €6.50
- Two Rose booklets: €10.45
- Two Arménie booklets: €10.15
Retailers such as Amazon also stock the products, with prices subject to change. The brand has additionally launched candle versions of the fragrances. These candles, sold on the company’s site for roughly €29.95–€31.95 for 220g, are made from vegetable waxes, use cotton wicks and are advertised to burn for about 50 hours.
Why it matters for readers
For anyone looking to add a discreet, affordable scent to their home this autumn and winter, these papers and matching candles offer a low-cost, low-tech option. They bridge a centuries-old tradition with contemporary perfumery, thanks to Kurkdjian’s involvement.
