The Little Birds of Cyprus
Cyprus once perfumed Europe
Between the 14th and 17th centuries, European courts used curious scented objects known as Oiselets de Chypre — “Little Birds of Cyprus.”`
The small perfumed figures were made from an aromatic paste blending labdanum, oakmoss, spices and floral waters.
They were placed in rooms or burned in fireplaces to perfume the air.
These birds illustrate an important link between ancient Mediterranean perfumery and the later Chypre fragrance tradition.