Guerlain revamps 'Santal Royal' with Bee Bottle for its 5th anniversary

The leading light of Guelain's Absolus d'Orient collection, "Santal Royal," is to celebrate its fifth anniversary with a sumptuous bottle by artist Tarek Benaoum.

The new flask will be sold in an ultra limited edition of which only 22 numbered copies will be made.

A one-time graffiti artist who has developed a passion for writing, Tarek Benaoum presents works that mix symbols and calligraphy inspired by the Orient with contemporary urban touches.

These eclectic influences are expressed in a highly personal calligraphy that intermingles symbols and signs to create a harmonious whole, which combines tradition and modernity with a heady dash of mystery.

To mark the fifth anniversary of its oriental woody fragrance "Santal Royal," Guerlain has called on the talents and skills of the young artist to create a new version of its signature Bee Bottle. Rising to the occasion, Benaoum has come up with an unprecedentedly ornate version of the legendary container, which is entirely hand-painted, and thus essentially unique. 

For each piece, Tarek Benaoum has adorned a spray-painted cobalt blue background with a hand-painted mix of arabesque and calligraphic designs in gold. As a final touch, the neck of each bottle has been decorated with a blue and gold cord by the French perfumer's legendary "Dames de table" who apply the elaborate details to the house's bottles.

Offered in a limited edition of only 22 numbered bottles, one liter of the latest "Santal Royal" retails for 10,000 euros.