Basala

First tried this circa 1994, when Egoïste was the main scent-track to my life, and was sufficiently enchanted by its mysterious allure that Basala joined the rotation. For Shiseido, Basala was a big step up from Tactics, their previous men's fragrance (still available in Japan): Basala was a philosophical statement as much as an aesthetic declaration inspired by the way of the Samurai (Bushido) and its seminal text, The Book of Five Rings. A few years back was fortunate to find a first edition - "Basara" - at a reasonable price from an Italian vendor - for a bit of sensory time travel. The very first edition was "Basara", subsequently renamed "Basala". [A difference that does not exist in Japanese since "L" and "R" share the same characters in Japanese syllabaries and are written and pronounced exactly the same] Basara/Basala came out one year after the legendary Fémininité du Bois and its vivid scarlet compliments the rose-plum pink palette of FdB, so the full Shiseido product line for both FdB and Basala - including ancillary products like aftershave, deodorants, moisturisers, shower gel, self-tanning cream, etc. - made an eye-catching in-store display of crimson and pink Basala’s distinctive flacon was designed by Marc Newson, which he describes as “an anthropomorphic torso-like shape” - it reminds me of the classic Mitsouko bottle and was presumably intended to complement Serge Lutens’ similarly anthropomorphic flacon for FdB, likened to a woman’s torso. One thing I enjoy about Basara is its distinctive nature - it is unusual, innovative, and changes direction as it evolves, as if to defy attempts to categorise or pigeon-hole it since it doesn’t quite conform to stereotypes. It’s not traditionally aromatic, floral, woody, spicy, Oriental, Chypre, or Fougere, but a hybrid - a sensory mosaic of beautiful things. Basala is elegant sophistication - to my mind a tribute to the Samurai fascination with fragrance as both a sensory pleasure and one of the attributes of refinement (Kodo, the way of incense, was one of the five noble arts of Samurai culture). Basala's complexity and harmony is apparent in the way it evolves: first aromatic, then floral, spices, amber, resins, leather, oakmoss and wood, like a sensory kaleidoscope. A great example of the fine art of perfumery and a worthy companion to the iconic Fémininité du Bois with its Christopher Sheldrake-Serge Lutens pedigree. If only Basala shared FdB’s incredible performance and epic longevity. Basala makes me feel confident and serene, and elicits both curiosity and compliments from other people, a sensory pleasure for wearer and entourage alike. The dry down is lovely - an elegant pre-IFRA woody-amber-oakmoss. In Samurai Japan, the Sakura (cherry blossom) was revered as a metaphor for success (according to the Samurai philosophy of Bushido) quiet diligence blossoming into a brief but glorious and dazzlingly beautiful zenith - Basala is an olfactory Sakura that blossoms into beauty and magnificence. Basala is like a unicorn, or a rare and priceless diamond, a TARDIS in a scarlet bottle that takes me back to the days when I was young and hopeful. Admittedly my love for this fragrance is greatly affected by nostalgia and euphoric recall so this review is entirely subjective and extremely biased, nevertheless it really is sublime. Nowadays the Issey Miyake label is the primary focus of Shiseido’s men’s fragrance business, yet Basala is a timeless example of eternal style, a classy, quintessentially Japanese gentleman's fragrance, an incarnation of Bushido aesthetic values and an allusion to the five noble arts of Samurai culture. As a long-discontinued icon it's rarer than hen's teeth and, sadly, more expensive than platinum, so unless you have loads of money the only practical (and affordable) way to try it nowadays is via a decant, sample or mini.

This week I managed to get a pristine, vintage first edition of this beautiful fragrance - when it was first released it was called "Basara" - and it really is bewitching, sexy and extremely beautiful. An elixir like this is so wonderfully blended that the effect is one of sublime harmony and balance. Basara / Basala evokes the ancient Japanese art of Kodo - the incense ceremony - an intricate olfactory pleasure which (for me) elicits thoughts of luxury and comfort. A sophisticated fragrance opening with subtle aromatic, spice and floral notes, becoming a woody and oakmossy amber, but so unlike anything else that words don't really suffice. Basara is in some ways a paradox and the overall effect is one of rich, dignified elegance, of exquisite luxury and comfort, and of "dignitas" in the Ancient Roman sense. It is the embodiment of refined masculine sophistication, confidence and dignity, like a Samurai warlord. To my mind the epitome of the art of perfumery is the creation of fragrances whose components combine and develop in harmony to create a "symphony" and in my humble opinion Basara is one of the finest examples of an olfactory symphony. This has not dated in any way since it never conformed to any prevailing trend in the first place, so it remains timeless, a rare gem of superlative beauty and is without doubt one of the Crown Jewels of my collection.

Oh my this was magnificent! There is absolutely nothing quite like it. I brought this back from Europe in the mid-nineties, and being in my 20's I loved it, but perhaps a bit too much for me then. My roommate quite rightly stole it from me, lol and we both would love to get our hands on some today, but it's nearly impossible. This was indeed a true masculine floral herbal oriental spicebomb! The middle notes of caraway, cinnamon and carnation particularly stand out to me in my memory of this masterpiece. The bottle, by Marc Newson, is also noteworthy being by one of the most famous designers in the world. Not sure why he is not noted in the Fragrantica description.

It smells very unique, woodsy and sensous, it was a break through in the years that Basala was launched, goes without saying that it is one of the first avant garde perfumes in mass production perfume history, allthough counts to designer category by label , it would easily beat many niche and artisanal perfumes today, if it wasn't discontinued. (Sad but true) the carnation-oakmoss combo is incredible, smells mindblowingly authentic, and the patchouli-musk-coconut base defines the solid signature base of that masterfully crafted recipee. An absolute master piece, luckily I still can find it in vintage perfume shops.

Well! Basara was my husband's favourite perfume - and mine on him!! It was exquisite. It's such a tragedy that it is not made any more. It was the most gorgeous, unique, divine, sensual, luxurious, glorious, warm, oriental, sweet, spicy, herby, opulent, masculine, smooth, creamy, heavenly fragrance. Oh how we wish they still made it!!! And the bottle is the most gorgeous creation ever!!! Such a fabulous colour and shape, and so beautiful to hold. We have it on display (the empty bottle, sob...sob!) in our home, and I love gazing at it, and handling it. It's so beautifully made. Bottle and perfume: a masterpiece!!!

I’m also a very big fan go this fragrance. In fact this is my favorite one. It reminds me my first love, beautiful sunny but melancholic autumn, serenity and calming. Basala is so perfect that I cannot imagine better fragrance. All notes makes Basala the most sensual fragrance I’ve ever had. It’s combination of tobacco, wood, cherry, amber, leather and much more cause you can always discover something new in Basala... I’m so unhappy that it’s discounted and I can’t get in anywhere. I tried so many fragrances but I can’t find a similar one. So magical, so wonderful, so unique... like first love. I love Basala.

Another of my long-time go-to favourites. I've been in love with this fragrance for so long that it's actually difficult to try and prize apart why, least of all because the things I know about perfume didn't even enter into why I fell in love with it at the time. For example, I was convinced it contained ginger when I first smelt it, but it doesn't. Maybe that not surprising given just how vast its combination of spicy, floral and woody notes actually is. Yep, I know it was released "for men" , but I think that's rubbish: this is a deeply unisex juice. I love it on me and I love it on others.

One of the best perfumes ever produced ! Own a bottle back in 94 to 96. Great scent, absolutely love it at that time. Gorgeous. A sexy Fragrance and a Compliment getter. Suitable for a bit cooler weather and perfect for evening/night. Enquired Shisiedo outlet was told that frag was discontinued. Why discontinue such an amazing frag? Hope Shisiedo will be revive it or any Middle Eastern frag house can replicate this again, sure it will be a winner.

Complex and bold; not in an overstated way but certainly not understated either. It balances on that fine line of being overtly masculine while maintaining an air of refinement. I am not skilled enough to pick up on the individual notes but I get a wonderful opening of herbs with a drydown of very spicy fir and musk. This is a truly wonderful scent, one I will treasure for as long as I can get my hands on it!

This is an extremely powerful and masculine fragrance. It has a very strong personality. Too bad it's SO hard to find. HIghly recommendable for evenings.

Delicioso, muy masculino. Pero aquí en Argentina está discontinuado!! Una lástima...

Some say this fragrance is complex, and you'd certainly think so from the ingredients: Top notes are rosemary, artemisia, lavender, green notes, fruity notes, clary sage, basil, neroli and bergamot; middle notes are carnation, fir, cinnamon, jasmine, caraway and rose; base notes are labdanum, leather, amber, patchouli, musk, coconut, oakmoss and cedar. Wow, what a nose full you'd expect, right? But in my impression of it, I can't detect many of these notes. Perhaps it's their confluence that blends together so well. For instance, to me I smell sandalwood... but it's not there in the list. Its cousin is--cedar. Perhaps the intermixing of leather and musk with it ends up reflecting sandalwood? The middle notes are almost completely transparent to me. I do sense some rose essence, as well as musk and oakmoss. The base notes do seem stronger than the rest. While the cedar is prominent, it is very tamed and soft. And something about it combined with the musk is just delicious. In some ways I find Basala to be somewhere between Chanel Antaeus and a Musk forward fragrance like Royall Muske. Frankly, for the kind of crazy prices it has been going for on "that auction site", ultimately I do not think it is really worth it any longer. Unfortunately there are enough people feeling otherwise that keeps the remaining dwindling stock in the on-line marketplaces to be financially challenging. And so... I savor what little I have of it. :-/ 9.4/10 for fragrance, 7.0/10 for value (based on exorbitant market prices).

It might just be me, but every time I smell Basala I'm somewhat reminded of Lutens' later Un Bois Sepia--aka the "weird man cologne one" that really stands out in Lutens' self-titled offerings. Sadly I don't have a sample of Bois Sepia to test my memory, but to me, I smell an aromatic lavender bolstered by some herbs and fairly well-handled/subtle aromachemicals at the top, seguing to a drier, sweet woody base with a resinous bent to it. Definitely well-blended and no one particular note stands out besides "well-done man cologne," but a hair more interesting than others of its kind.

Basala Shiseido (Skin test, EDT.) This is beautiful Barbershop-estique fragrance. That every note hitting the element in right time. Leather, Floral and soft fougere. It is smell like men care and sharing cream. But in the best way possible, Basala is just round-out and throughout product. It is very balance and have a beautiful across it-life. Basala is DNA transit to many brand, I believe. But Basala - as my heart insists - the most balance one. Blueprint of creamy Fougere using Amber.

This is a unique fragrance. I am fortunate to have one more bottle. And hope to find more. Its quite spicy and complexed. Leather, cinammon, musk and labdanum create an amazing perfume. It was a true gem by Shiseido.

To me this is not fresh at all, but spicy it is, thats for sure. Very nice and warm winter frag although I found it hard to go through the whole bottle.

IT. Ultimamente si può trovarlo soltanto su eBay ed i prezzi sono saliti ai livelli dei profumi di nicchia (€250-350). Peggio di tutto che hai un tasso altissimo delle possibilità di ricevere uno contrafatto, come successo a me. Strano che essendo così richiesto la produzione di Basala non viene rinnovata da Shiseido, che insiste invece di produrre il ZEN, che secondo me anche fra 100 anni non verrà apprezzato come Basala solo dopo 20 anni dalla sua prima uscita. EN. Lately you can find it only on eBay and the prices have risen to the level of niche perfumes ($350-490). I tried to order one and the perfume that was send me was the fake one. So be careful. It's so strange that being so required, the production of Basala still wasn't renewed by Shiseido, instead of the production of ZEN, which, I think even after 100 years won't be appreciated as Basala today, only 20 years after its first release.

This one was a dissapointment for me. After a really great and one of a kind begining it changed in the direction I didn't like. It was going weaker and weaker. It lasted - that's true. But I don't like the way it smelled after 2 hours. So I sold it...

So I got a job lot of 8 miniatures that looked interesting and a small 5ml bottle of this was there... wow! Stunning scent . I’ve always been an amber fan and the way this has been interwoven with green notes and spices is amazing. Far and away one of the most complicated male scents I have ever discovered. I’ve hoovered up another 22 mls of Basara ( 1st incarnation ) and Basala ( 2nd name) as I can easily see a long and carefully curated future for me and this. I love the way we can all related to and recognise what we call “ green scents” this one for me is "red". Pulsating warm and spicy but with a really complex shifting background. There is a lot going on and the ingredients all seem to take their turn as the dry down moves on...It's a strong one so no more than three sprays and you'll be set fine. I wouldn't use this as a daily wearer it's far too rare and special..This is an "event" frag. doesn't matter if its formal or informal. Moving round a room and wearing this will have women tilting their heads up and sniffing the air as you pass wondering if it's you that is wearing this sublime sexy scent. The word is oft used in reviews on this website but this is a lost masterpiece. It commands seriously high prices in the market but frag fans should at least make the pilgrimage with a 5ml minature once. Want something special for that late Summer wine and dine? Look no further.

Basala is a particularly well-constructed release featuring a plethora of notes, highly interwoven - this style of complex integration seems now a pretty much-forgotten skill in perfumery. Overall its dry, herbal, caraway and lavendery aspects are prominent, it's slightly bitter and warm, but there is so much more going on - it also smells perfectly civilised, soft-spoken and timeless. I cannot put my finger on what it reminds me off, having this familiar, cosy aspect to it. When it came out, of course, Shiseido's Feminite du Bois was receiving all the curiosity due to its genuinely innovative style. I imagine that Basala, even with its proper 'designer' bottle by Marc Newson and men's cosmetic products, must have suffered under this - together with the certain classicism, the fragrance has, attention in '93 was elsewhere. A shame it's been discontinued, it being maybe the only truly great men's fragrance by the company. Despite this strange familiarity I get each time smelling Basala - that recalls me of another, yet unknown scent, I cannot point out to anything similar - what resonates with it, however, is YSL's original Jazz, from a few years earlier around that time, and Frédéric Malle's French Lover...

@Bodda89: This perfume was named " BASARA"(ばさら or 伐折羅, depends on what meaning you refer to), soon changed into "BASALA". It's Japanese, but the words originated from Sanskrit. There are two meanings: The first one goes with the Hiragana characters as "ばさら", it refers to a social trend in 14th century that people whould wear expensive and beautiful clothes. The word " ばさら" came from Sanskrit "vajra" which means " diamond" and " thunderbolt". Sometimes this word "ばさら" also means "a will that can refuse the power of tradition, a will that wants to live freely". The second one will appear in 漢字(Chinese characters used in Japanese) as "伐折羅", this word also came from Sanskrit "vajra", but it means a Kongōrikishi (金剛力士, in Sanskrit as " Vajradhāra") or Niō (仁王). They are two wrath-filled and muscular guardians of the Buddha. If you visit a Buddhist temple, you will see those guardians standing in the front gate, holding a weapon. They are manifestations of the Bodhisattva Vajrapāṇi protector deity,also the oldest and most powerful of the Mahayana pantheon.

I found it in the local department store, under a major layer of dust. After long trying to hunt it on eBay, where the prices are mad. When my heart rate got back to passable 200, I tried it. In ten seconds, I fell in love. Lavender, mint, pepper, whoknowswhat, unidentifiable herbs - the memory last week's trip to botanical garden was kicking my shin all the time - rosemary, I suppose. Ten minutes later, I fell in love again. Some dry spicy notes that vaguely reminded me of Asja surfaced, with a bit of lemon and something sweet. Asja and mojito would be a decent equivalent of heaven. The drydown is warm and spicy and cooling and vetivery at the same time. The fragrance changes at least three times, I've never smelled anything like that - there are notes that are almost contradictory - pungent and smooth and soothing, spicy hot and sweet... Tomorrow I'm going to buy it because I just cannot live without it. Now, judging from the other reviews, I gotta be a big tough guy.

Here we are talking about a perfume that has left his incredible trail over the years Basara, Basala or if you prefer opens with an austere tone of forest and undergrowth of grasses, the idea is to explore the enchanted forests of fairy tales with risks attached, but this fragrance by a sense of daring and courage, rustic touches to keep us anchored to reality with herbs that blend with the sweetness of the flower arrangements entrancing, the fund has a very masculine patchouli and a valuable leather fabulous. the fund Basala reminds Spirit by Hugo Boss, are indeed those scents that I call the witches' cauldron where they come potions and enchanting, it is precisely this ... The bottle is very pretty reminiscent of the samurai, people who do not have to ask .... never ......

Chypre-spicy. Japanese word 'basala' stands for a sanskrit word meaning 'gem', a talisman which daunted the chaos and bad spirits, held by Buddha . In XIV century, when Japan was in a bad condition, the name 'basala' was given to men of a great spiritual strenght, able to nix the chaos and renew the world. The originators of the fragrance felt that the last decade of the XX century, with its rush and mess, resmebled the Japanese middle ages. They wanted to create a scent that would help a contemporary man in spiritual rebirth and assert his strenght, intelligence and sensibility. A man using Basala is not afraid to look at himself critically, he is intelligent, free and sensitive, respects beauty and art. The red bottle may resemble the silhouette of a samurai.

As others have said, this is a complex designer scent which in some ways exemplifies the heights of "modern perfumery." In some ways it's like vintage Red for Men, which is also of that time, but this is a touch more natural smelling (and I don't get any lavender note, which is a positive for me). The trade off is that it's not as powerful. Also, I would call this classier whereas Red is more "powerful," such as what one might expect a demanding boss would wear. At current prices you'll have to mortgage your house if you want a full size bottle, but as to the scent itself, I can't think of another one that is all that close to it.

Not so much a review but a comment on the name/name change. I worked there when it launched as 'Basara'. Guerlain initiated legal proceedings after it launched because they felt it infringed on Samsara. Even though they knew about the name prior to launch, they didn't file paperwork until the global launch had rolled out so it cost Shideido $$$ to do a name change. It was also Guerlain who suggested the name change from 'R' to 'L', and as was heard from their legal team, it was because 'they can't pronounce the R correctly anyway'. The American team understood this was to ridicule the company.

if you are interested in purchasing a bottle of Basala, I have one of the first edition, as you know at first I edit the name of Basara, but was quickly superseded by the name of Basala, I have a bottle of the first and rare edition with the name of Basara. The botelle has even a third of the contents of the perfume. Would be willing to exchange it for another perfume that I like. if you are interested you can answer the email [email protected] thanks and regards Victor from Spain

I have owned this one back in 2003/4 ,I was too immature for this fragrance as I was only 22.I would love to buy it again but it is nearly impossible.If I recall this fragrance correctly I would suggest to try out Lalique L'Insoumis as somehow I get similar vibe of that totally affordable and easy to find scent,but there is a good chance I am wrong.Anyway both are something that a mature and confident man could sport.

It’s a long time since I’ve smelled it but remember it being quite unlike anything else out there. About 30 years later I discover Miller Harris’s “Powdered Veil” which I love and bought a bottle. It was only today that I suddenly remembered what it reminded me of - Basala! I’m actually so happy as I longed to get my hands on Basala but now I don’t need to. They both share that wonderful amber note!

Este perfume lo compre cuando salio a la venta en 1993,yo me encontraba en Itaia,me llamo la atencion la publicidad,la bottella sobre un fondo de llamas,y me gusto mucho, es elegante , varonil,unico, en mi pais, nunca estubo a la venta, lo conservo como algo muy especial, me lo aplico muy poco, y sabiendo que esta descontinuado mas, me siento afortunado de tenerlo.

Howdy Fragranticans - this is bloody impossible to source in Oz. My brother's holidaying in Japan in 2013 so I'll twist his arm and maybe he'll be able to find me some. From memory, I recall it smelt similar to Antaeus. But different enough for me to "need" both. Oh and BTW, the bottle was designed by world renowned (Aussie!!) industrial designer Marc Newson.

I finaly fullfilled one of my greatest wishes. To find a bottle of this extremely rare perfume by finding 6 minis in a very reasonable price. So i create a 30ml bottle of the First version called BASARA. The quality is unbelievable and the perfume is so unique and complicated the leaves you speechless. It deserves a place in Pantheon of male frangrances.

everytime I wear this I travel back to the late 80's this scent was my signature for a while, it's an extremely sexy juice and the ladies will notice that quite soon, pretty much has already been said about the notes.... I do wonder why such incredible gem has been taken out of the market....

I'm fortunate to still have some left - which I use VERY sparingly in fear of running out. Such a GORGEOUS SCENT!!! So disappointing that it's been discontinued. If you happen to come across it, even if it's the Aftershave, BUY IT! Worth every penny, IMHO!

I threw this one away, it just smelt damp and dark extremely woody. Like a damp basement. It is a shame as it is like some frags going for serious money. However I think the bin is where it would have felt at home.

Sometimes I think Basala smells like modern era “woody ambers”, sometimes I think it smells like Antaeus without the castoreum. Soft, but with a tremendous longevity on the skin, Basala is one of a kind.

Sexy, sexy, sexy. This scent is very cool. The smell is really attractive. I also love the fact that it is extremely unique. Not the best pefume that I've smelled, but it is a very good scent.

i used to wear this beautiful perfume when i was in my early 20s. i loved it so much . Unfortunately, they discontinued it. Hope shiseido will remake it....

Tried this in a store back in 1993 - I remember it being a striking fragrance but really gorgeous and complex - a fine cologne ! And, what a great flacon !

Mirar que he probado perfumes de todas las marcas en casi 30 años; pero como este ninguno, el mejor de todos. Y AHORA LO RETIRAN UNA GRAN PENA

I like this cologne and would like to buy more of it. It is hard to find or more than I want to pay. It is a good scent, last a long time.

Somehow similar to Xeryus Rouge,which means, fantastic, spicy... I just wish it could be easily found... and with reasonable price!

Warm, friendly, sound, rather oriental smell. I like when men wear it. Smelled of Basala is a truthworthy and very attractive.

I love this perfume for long time. This is the best perfume for me. It is discontinued. I am going to miss it.

I'm selling a 90% full bottle, PM me if interested. US only due to the "ground transportation" rules.

من روائع شركة شسيدو جوهرة نادرة ، محظوظٌ صاحبها .. العطر يربطني كثيراً بـ جيفونشي اكزيرياس روج

Very similar to vintage escada Pour Homme. Nice stuff!

I wish I could find this someplace...