The Story
Why it exists.
The beginning
Triptych is a 2023 composition from Aqualis, composed by Chris Maurice and released as a Harrods exclusive. The concept centers on oud in its many forms, specifically a deliberate comparison between three geographic origins. Laotian, Thai, and Cambodian oud form the spine of the composition, treated not as a single monolithic material but as three distinct voices in conversation. The official release frames it as a celebration of the multifaceted nature of an ancient, ceremonious material. The oud components carry the weight of the composition, while supporting notes like Taif rose, benzoin, bourbon vanilla, and gurjan balsam shape the texture around them. Australian sandalwood appears in the base, giving the wood accord a smoother, creamier undertone.
The decision to source oud from three Southeast Asian origins matters more than it sounds. Each regional oud brings its own character to the composition, shaped by the tree, the climate, and the method of distillation. Laotian oud, Thai oud, and Cambodian oud each carry distinct qualities that perfumers and enthusiasts have come to recognize over years of practice. Placing all three in a single composition creates a controlled dialogue between the materials, allowing each to remain identifiable while contributing to a unified whole.
The evolution
The opening announces itself with Laotian oud and Taif rose, and the rose leads. It's jammy and almost candied, with the oud lurking underneath like something not yet ready to speak. The rose takes the foreground initially, and the oud waits. As the composition moves forward, the rose settles and the wood takes over. Benzoin and bourbon vanilla arrive as a resinous warmth, less sweet than a gourmand vanilla, more like the interior of a wooden box lined with amber. The Thai oud enters during this phase, adding a slightly smoky, almost tarry edge that cuts through the sweetness. This is where the fragrance feels most itself, dense, dark, and meditative, the moment when all three oud origins are present and the supporting notes are in full conversation. As the composition continues to develop, it deepens considerably.
Cultural impact
Triptych contributes to a growing conversation within niche perfumery about how oud is sourced, characterized, and presented. The decision to feature three Southeast Asian oud origins in a single composition places it among works that engage seriously with the material's diversity. Each regional oud carries cultural and botanical significance, and assembling them in one bottle invites wearers to experience those differences side by side. The Harrods exclusivity adds another layer, situating the fragrance within a specific retail context that shapes how it reaches its audience.
The House
AqualisAqualis is a London-based independent niche fragrance house founded by South African perfumer Steyn Grobler. The brand draws deep inspiration from Grobler's roots in South Africa, channeling the continent's diverse landscapes and sensory memories into each composition. Since establishing in 2015, the house has grown from a small independent operation into a recognized presence in the niche fragrance world, with its creations available through select luxury retailers including Harrods. The collection spans a range of fragrance families, with each release typically tied to a specific landscape, memory, or geographic reference from Grobler's South African heritage. Notable works include Origin, Utopia, and Coda from the early collection, alongside later releases such as Egoli (2022), Triptych (2023), and Mother of Pearl (2025). The brand operates as a small, founder-led house, with Grobler maintaining direct involvement across formulation and creative direction.
The Creator
Chris MauriceMaurice is known for declarations that arrive first. He favors generous applications of ingredient, building sillage that announces presence before the wearer enters the room.
