Kapet or Kyphi (common Latin version of the Greek translation) is an ancient incense with Egyptian origins, but historically it was later found in Greece and Syria. It was thought to originally refer to anything that cleanses the air, but later developed into a specific, often ceremonial, incense. In literature, it is common to read about it being a breathe freshener, wine infusion, medicine, and incense.

Mentions of Kyphi have been found inscribed on the ancient walls of Egypt with some variations. The initial reference of this incense dates back to the 5th and 6th dynasties of Ancient Egypt. Hieroglyphics in the ancient pyramids relay how Kyphi is a desired afterlife luxury for the pharaohs, but no ingredients or ratios are inscribed.

The Ebers Papyrus dating to around 1500 BC is the first text to mention a recipe and it is speculated that this recipe may have been close to the temple incense due to it being used as an air and clothing purifier. There is a curious ingredient omitted, raisins, but it is thought that since it was such a staple component it may have been assumed. The recipe is made by boiling the botanicals in honey.

Plutarch, a visitor of Egypt during the first century BC, was said to have gained access to texts from the 3rd Century AD—”Preparations of Kyphi Recipes” by Manetho. Though no copies have been sourced, Plutarch relayed a recipe to clarify the process and ritual of the incense preparation. He relayed that the text mentioned that each ingredient was not added together in bulk then ground, but rather each ground ingredient was added individually while ritual words were read aloud.

In regards to it being described as a medicine, Plutarch was the one to confirm that Kyphi was orally consumed. It was said that it worked as a cleanse for the body while offering restful sleep that induced vivid dreams. Plutarch also provided insight into how Ancient Egyptian priests ritualistically burned incense in the temple three times a day: frankincense at dawn, myrrh at midday, and Kyphi at dusk.

Other temples, namely first century BC Edfu and Philae, contain imagery with Kyphi recipes, but there is variation in the proportions for the same ingredients. The recipe preparations and the list of botanicals were notably more complex than later recipes found in Greek texts. Ingredients ranged from a list of a dozen to over fifty depending on location and access.

The history of Kyphi continued over time, but today those who enjoy recreating ancient botanical offerings revel in the making of this ancient incense. What is consistently seen are a few staple ingredients that not only make this recipe very unique in process, but as an aroma as well: honey, wine, and raisins.

Kyphi produces an aroma that beautifully links you to the scents of the ancient world. It provides an energetic tone of the pharaohs that we would have never known or expected without their ancient efforts to record their signature scent. It is a curious exploration of what was deemed worthy of ceremony and to perfume their after life.

Our Kyphi is handcrafted in small batches in-house. It is rich and full-bodied, with layers of sweet, warm, spice that not only relaxes you like tea, but it muses an ancient sensual depth.