The saffron flower, Crocus sativus, is one of the most valued flowers in the world, for its singular pistils that make precious spices. The saffron spice is one of the most expensive in the world, earning its name "red gold." Cultivated since the fifth century BC in the Middle East, saffron was renowned for its therapeutic qualities and was seen in abundance at the table of Achaemenid rulers. Today, it flavors the finest dishes, tints the noblest ornaments, and adds light to the most sophisticated cosmetics. 150,000 to 300,000 flowers are harvested to obtain just 1 kilo of saffron. The pistils are handpicked, flower by flower, with a delicate gesture, just like that of the sculptor composing the bouquet and carpet of saffron on the vases of this collection. An ode to a demanding yet delicate spice trade, the Saffron collection narrates the story of the blossoming flower in the sandy and sunny lands and the harvesting of the delicate pistils. Like the yellow-gold spice that colors our dishes, the Saffron pieces are tinted in rich, warm hues, evolving from amber to red.
