Li Hsiin and Li Hsien

Two brothers of Persian origin, the elder Li Hsiin and the younger Li Hsien, lived in Shu in Sichuan and were well known perfume merchants. Their family settled in China around 880s, acquiring wealth and renown as ship-owners and merchants in the spice trade.

The elder was a notable poet and naturalist, the writer of the Hai Yao Pen Tshao (Pharmaceutical Natural History of Overseas Drugs and Sea Products) often afterwards quoted, although not saved in original. The younger was an alchemist and herbalist, known for his expertise in perfumes and probably their distillation.