O'Tea & JIGYASU

The word perfume comes from Old provincial French perfumar, per through and fumar to smoke, which explains the art of perfumery believed to have begun in the Middle East with the burning of incense.

The use of incense dates back to biblical times and may have originated in Egypt when aromatic trees were imported from Arabia to be used in religious ceremonies.

More people in the United States and all over the world are using incense as a home or personal fragrance to create a feeling of tranquility and well-being and an extra dimension in gracious living that opens up a whole new world of spiritual awareness and understanding.

So all important is the sense of smell that unlike other nerve cells in the brain, eyes and spinal cord, which if damaged are lost forever, the olfactory neurons constantly replace themselves.

One way to make your home more inviting, interior decorators point out, is to create an atmosphere with relaxing music, a fire in the fireplace and a soft fragrance in the air.

That Israeli archaeologists discovered a 2,000-year old fragrant oil in a cave near the Dead Sea that they believe may have been used to anoint kings.

That Cleopatra used pillows filled with rose petals to induce sleep.

Aromatherapy, has been practiced since ancient times as a panacea in the treatment of severe diseases, infections and indispositions.

That a peppermint fragrance tends to reduce stress and sleepiness.

That some unpleasant odors have been used to suppress the appetite of those who are overweight.

That humans, like other animals, will attract or repel each other depending on their scents and body odors.

Quotable Quotes:
A woman who wears no perfume has no future. Paul Valery.

Memories, old sentiments and associations are more readily reached through the sense of smell than through any other channel. Oliver Wendell Holmes.

As other spirits are borne away on music, mine my beloved, floats on our perfume. Baudelaire.

Romain S.

Webster's dictionary defines incense simply as a word derived from the French encens, or encensen from the Latin incensus to cause (a passion or emotion) to become aroused.

1 Material used to produce a fragrant odor when burned.
2 The perfume exhaled from some spices and gums when burned; Broadly: a pleasing scent.

It is all that and much more.

The use of incense dates back to biblical times and may have originated in Egypt where the gums and resins of aromatic trees were imported from the Arabian and Somali coasts to be used in religious ceremonies. It was also used by the Pharaohs to counteract unpleasant odors, drive away demons and gratify the presence of gods.

The Babylonians used incense extensively while offering prayers to divining oracles. It was imported into Israel in the 5th century BC to be used in religious offerings. It spread from there to Greece, Rome and India, where both Hindus and Buddhists still burn it in their rituals and at festivals. And it was one of the gifts of the three wise men from the East to the infant Jesus.

Brought to Japan in the Sixth century by Buddhist monks who used the mystical aromas in their purification rites, the delicate scents of Koh (Japanese high quality incense) became a source of amusement and entertainment with nobles in the Imperial Court during the Heian Era 200 years later.

During the Shogunate period in the 14th century, samurai warriors would perfume their helmets and armor with incense to achieve a proud aura of invincibility as they prepared to meet their foe and their fate. But it wasn't until the Muromachi Era during the 15th and 16th century that the elegant art of incense appreciation spread to the upper and middle classes of Japanese society.

What the Japanese call Koh-Do, or incense appreciation, has long been the spiritual nourishment of Japanese culture. Fast becoming a popular custom in the United States and all over the world for those seeking quiet reflection and peace of mind, this elegant art not only creates a feeling of tranquility and an added dimension in gracious living but also opens up a new world of temporal and spiritual awareness.

Modern practitioners of this elegant art now use incense to enhance the ambiance of their homes or offices, to entertain guests, to celebrate special occasions, to relax the body and calm the mind after a trying day and to soothe tired nerves before retiring.

From the beginning of time, man has consciously or unconsciously sought to improve his environment and his appearance with pleasing fragrances. In Japan, Koh (high quality incense) not only does this effectively but also has the power to move, comfort and inspire the user.

Romain S.

We are holding an event at O'Tea, on our 1st level on April 27-29, 2006.

We would like to present you in "avant-premiere" the summer collection of Manraj Chawla, Indian Designer for Crochet.

Profile
A childhood passion coupled with a keen sense of style and fit, Manraj is a natural born crochet designer. Inspired by the after school teachings of her father, she relies on the lessons she learned while helping to make the family's clothing when designing her new collections.

Manraj's career as a designer of evening casual outfits seems pre-ordained. An artist from the start, Manraj always took pleasure in drawing, and realizing the ideas that once only existed in her imagination.

A master of the contemporary-crochet look after almost 4 years with her own label “Jigyasu”, Manraj's designs are timeless in their elegance. Avoiding trends, she instead expands on prior collections. She works closely with her customers during trunk shows to get an accurate picture of what crochet lover’s desire. Looking back on her previous successes, Manraj diversifies her future collections based on what was missing in the past.

For Appointement, please liaise with Mansi at 04.96.68.48.02

O’Tea Bruxelles – 715, Chaussée de Waterloo – Shopping La Bascule – 1180 UCCLE

Dear Customers & Visitors,

We have been very glad to celebrate our first year.

Here are the Pictures of customer events:

Happy Anniversary O'Tea


Client's Event




O'Tea Owners



Romain & Mansi


Special thanks to Ashley Lyon, our talented Photograph.