Amun by 4711 c1981

In 1980, Muelhens/4711 made a strategic move by acquiring Payot (Colonia Inc.), and in 1981, under the Cantilene Inc. division, they released the fragrance Amun. This perfume was launched in the United States by 1982, capitalizing on the cultural fascination with ancient Egypt that had taken root in the late 1970s. The inspiration behind Amun was the treasures of Pharaoh Tutankhamun's tomb, which had captured the world's imagination after the Treasures of Tutankhamun exhibition toured the U.S. between 1976 and 1979. This exhibition, which made stops in major cities like Washington, D.C., Chicago, New Orleans, and New York, was a part of a diplomatic effort by Egypt to improve international perceptions. By naming the fragrance Amun, the perfume company was tying it to the mystique and grandeur of ancient Egypt, capitalizing on the fascination with both the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb and the allure of Egyptian culture.

The name "Amun" (pronounced AH-moon) refers to an important deity in ancient Egyptian mythology. Amun was known as the "King of the Gods" and was considered the god of the air, sunlight, and fertility, ultimately rising to prominence as a creator god. His name is also part of Tutankhamun's, further emphasizing the connection between the fragrance and the grandeur of Egyptian heritage. In Egyptian mythology, Amun was revered for his power, mystery, and association with the divine, making him a fitting namesake for a fragrance designed to evoke luxury, mysticism, and opulence. The name Amun evokes images of royal tombs, golden treasures, and ancient temples, bringing to mind an aura of timelessness, elegance, and power.

Launched in 1981, Amun emerged during a time when the early 1980s were characterized by a blend of cultural exploration and nostalgia for historical eras. The late 1970s and early 1980s saw a growing interest in vintage aesthetics, and fashion trends were influenced by an eclectic mix of retro styles and the emergence of bold, modern designs. The influence of exotic and historical themes in perfumery was strong, with fragrances drawing inspiration from distant lands and ancient cultures. Amun entered the market as part of this trend, offering an oriental fragrance for women that combined spices, aldehydes, florals, and balsamic notes to create an exotic, luxurious scent. This was in contrast to the more light and floral fragrances that dominated the 1960s and early 1970s.

Women of the 1980s, drawn to strong, distinctive scents, would have likely connected with Amun for its evocative and empowering qualities. The fragrance was bold, mysterious, and opulent, qualities that resonated with the broader cultural atmosphere of the time, which embraced power dressing, individualism, and self-assurance. The word Amun would have been interpreted in the fragrance as an expression of depth, warmth, and elegance, with the spicy, aldehydic top notes offering a sense of exoticism, followed by a spicy floral heart that evoked the richness of ancient lands. The balsamic, ambery base would lend the fragrance a sensual and lasting finish, reminiscent of the treasures found within Tutankhamun's tomb.

In the context of other fragrances on the market, Amun stood out as part of the growing popularity of oriental fragrances, which had gained momentum in the 1970s and early 1980s. While there were other oriental perfumes on the market, Amun distinguished itself by its connection to the mystique of ancient Egypt, a theme not widely explored in the fragrance world at the time. The perfume's spicy, aldehydic opening, combined with an exotic floral heart and rich, balsamic base, offered a unique olfactory experience that drew upon historical and cultural references while remaining true to the trends of the time.

Choosing an ancient Egyptian god like Amun as an inspiration for a fragrance was a deliberate and thoughtful decision, tapping into the allure of Egypt’s rich history and its association with luxury, mystery, and power. Ancient Egypt has long been regarded as a civilization of sophistication, with its elaborate rituals, exquisite art, and captivating mythology. A fragrance named after such a powerful god would have communicated a sense of timeless elegance, making it an ideal choice for a luxury perfume in the early 1980s.

Amun is a fragrance that transports us to the mystique and grandeur of ancient Egypt, capturing the essence of a time when royalty and divine power intertwined. The name Amun itself draws inspiration from the last two syllables of Tutankhamun, the boy-king who ruled Egypt over 3,000 years ago, linking the fragrance to one of the most famous figures in Egyptian history. The packaging further enhances this royal connection, with each bottle nestled inside its own intricately designed gift box that opens like a treasure chest. The act of unveiling the bottle becomes a ceremonial moment, as if you're unlocking a priceless artifact that once belonged to the pharaohs themselves, evoking the excitement and reverence of discovering royal treasures from an ancient tomb.

The fragrance itself is a rich and exotic blend, starting with the sensual and heady notes of jasmine and ylang ylang, which provide a floral heart that is both intoxicating and timeless. These lush florals are deepened by the earthy, rich scent of patchouli, adding an element of warmth and grounding to the perfume's complexity. Mysterious spices weave through the composition, creating an intriguing balance of sweetness and depth that evokes the allure of ancient lands. The overall effect is one of luxury and mystique, a scent that feels as if it carries the power and timelessness of ancient Egypt within each drop.

The Amun perfume line is a true indulgence, with prices reflecting its opulent character. The eau de toilette was available in a range of prices from $25 to $60, making it accessible while still maintaining a sense of exclusivity. However, it is the perfume bottles that truly shine with their luxurious details. The 7.5ml perfume is priced at $65, and the 15ml bottle at $100, both encased in bottles with gold-plated stoppers that enhance the sense of regality. One stopper is shaped like a sphinx, the mythical creature that symbolizes divine protection, while the other features a scarab, an emblem of everlasting life. These stoppers are not just functional; they are symbols of Egyptian power and protection, and after the perfume has been used, they can be repurposed as paperweights, allowing the wearer to keep a piece of that mystic royal aura long after the fragrance has faded.

This carefully crafted packaging and the fragrance's intricate composition make Amun more than just a scent—it is an experience, an olfactory journey into the heart of ancient Egypt. With each spray, the wearer is reminded of the treasures and secrets of a civilization that continues to captivate the imagination.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? Amun by 4711 is classified as an oriental fragrance for women. It begins with a spicy, aldehydic top, followed by an exotic spicy floral heart, resting on a sweet, balsamic, ambery base.

• Top notes: aldehydes, Guinea orange, Sicilian lemon, Calabrian bergamot oil, spice oils, Tunisian orange blossom
• Middle notes: Zanzibar clove, Provencal honey, French carnation, Egyptian jasmine, Turkish rose, Manila ylang-ylang, Vietnamese cinnamon
• Base notes: Omani frankincense, Tibetan musk, ambergris, Maltese labdanum, Indonesian patchouli, Mysore sandalwood, Siamese benzoin resin, Madagascan vanilla, Columbian tolu balsam

Scent Profile:

Amun by 4711 is a fragrance that evokes a sense of ancient mystery and luxury, much like the treasures of Egypt that inspired its creation. It begins with a burst of aldehydes that give a cool, fresh impression, a clean, almost soapy sharpness that sweeps in like a brisk breeze, followed by the tangy brightness of Guinea orange. The essence of this orange is more potent and zesty than its more common counterparts, bringing an uplifting sharpness with its intense citrus aroma. 

Next, Sicilian lemon introduces a tangy, lively acidity, known for its vibrant character and crispness. The Calabrian bergamot oil, derived from a region in southern Italy, gives the fragrance a slightly sweet, citrus-floral note with a touch of smoky depth, a signature ingredient in many classic fragrances. As the aldehydic top notes settle, the smooth, creamy Tunisian orange blossom infuses a subtle floral sweetness, reminiscent of warm Mediterranean nights, offering an elegant touch to the initial freshness.

Moving into the heart, Amun takes a deep, exotic turn. Zanzibar clove adds a spicy, almost medicinal warmth, its rich, aromatic scent enveloping the senses with its heady, spicy richness. Provencal honey brings a warm, golden sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the spiciness, its smooth, almost edible aroma evoking images of sun-drenched fields in the south of France. The French carnation brings a touch of spice and clove-like warmth, but also a floral creaminess, adding an element of softness that is balanced by the spiciness of the clove. 

Egyptian jasmine imparts a rich, opulent floral scent, its sweetness both intoxicating and heady, making it the centerpiece of this fragrance’s floral heart. This variety of jasmine is famed for its deep, sensual aroma, and the Egyptian variety is particularly revered for its rich, almost honeyed undertones. The inclusion of Turkish rose, with its deep, velvety scent, brings a romantic, classic floral note, while Manila ylang-ylang contributes a luscious, exotic floral depth, balancing sweetness with a slightly creamy, fruity scent. Lastly, the Vietnamese cinnamon adds a subtle, warm spice to the heart, offering a complex and earthy richness that deepens the fragrance’s complexity.

Finally, Amun rests on a robust and resinous base that gives it an exotic and enduring richness. Omani frankincense, revered for its sacred significance in ancient cultures, offers a smoky, resinous depth with its balsamic, almost mystical aroma, infusing the fragrance with an air of ancient ritual. Tibetan musk is warm and earthy, grounding the fragrance with its sensual, animalistic quality. Ambergris, a rare and precious ingredient, adds a deep, marine-like sweetness, its rich, salty facets blending seamlessly with the resins to create a warm, enveloping aura. 

The presence of Maltese labdanum further enhances this amber-like warmth, with its resinous, balsamic qualities providing an almost leathery sweetness that lingers on the skin. Indonesian patchouli gives a green, woody earthiness, known for its distinctive, grounding aroma that complements the deeper, warmer notes. Mysore sandalwood, one of the most coveted varieties of sandalwood, imparts a creamy, woody richness that is both smooth and exotic, providing the fragrance with a soft, creamy base. 

The Siamese benzoin resin adds a sweet, vanilla-like warmth, with a touch of balsamic depth, while Madagascan vanilla wraps the fragrance in its sweet, creamy embrace, adding warmth and a smooth, almost edible quality. Lastly, Columbian tolu balsam imparts a resinous, sweet, and spicy note, with an earthy richness that lingers in the background, rounding out the fragrance’s complex and multi-layered structure.

Amun is an aromatic journey, beginning with fresh citrus, moving through a complex heart of exotic spices and flowers, and finally resting on a warm, resinous base that evokes a sense of ancient treasures and timeless luxury. Its ingredients, each carefully chosen for their richness and complexity, create a fragrance that feels as though it could have been worn by royalty, enveloping the wearer in an aura of mystery and opulence.

Product Line:

Amun was offered in a wide range of products, allowing customers to indulge in the fragrance in various forms to suit their preferences and needs. The perfume itself was available in both splash and spray formats, with the splash options coming in 7.5ml, 15ml, and 20ml sizes, allowing for a more personalized application with each use. The spray versions, which offered more convenience, came in sizes ranging from 10ml to 95ml, catering to both those who wanted a travel-size option and those who preferred a larger bottle for regular use. The 10ml and 20ml Eau de Toilette sprays offered an affordable entry into the fragrance, while the 30ml, 40ml, and 60ml sprays catered to loyal users who appreciated the convenience of a fine mist for everyday wear.

In addition to the Eau de Toilette and parfum offerings, Amun extended into other body care products, reflecting the brand's commitment to providing a full sensory experience. A 120ml Eau de Toilette splash allowed for a more generous application, making it ideal for those who wanted to envelop themselves in the fragrance throughout the day. The 100ml Shower Gel provided a luxurious, aromatic way to cleanse while enjoying the scent, adding a layer of indulgence to the daily routine. For those looking for a more subtle way to incorporate Amun into their daily regimen, the 75ml Parfum Deodorant Spray and the 125ml Deodorant Spray offered a practical option that still carried the essence of the fragrance.

The line also included a 3.5oz Perfumed Soap, allowing users to enjoy the scent while pampering their skin with a gentle, aromatic lather. This wide array of products made Amun not only a fragrance but a complete sensory experience, offering different ways to immerse oneself in the mystical and luxurious world inspired by ancient Egypt.

Bottles:

The packaging and bottle designs of Amun are a true testament to the elegance and mystique of ancient Egypt, drawing inspiration from the golden treasures and symbolism found in the tomb of Tutankhamun. Each bottle is more than just a vessel for fragrance; it is a piece of art that transports you back in time to the opulent world of the pharaohs.

The 7.5ml and 20ml parfum bottles are crowned with a gilded winged sphinx, a powerful and mythical creature that symbolizes divine protection and mystery. This symbolic figure is often associated with royalty and strength, and here it elegantly tops the bottle, linking the fragrance to the regal aura of King Tut. The boxes that house these bottles are equally captivating, depicting the god Re-Herakhty, the sun god in his manifestation as a sky god, offering an ankh—the Egyptian symbol of life—to Tutankhamun, illustrating the divine bestowal of life. Behind him stands Ptah, the creator god who was believed to give life and order to the world. This divine imagery emphasizes the fragrance’s connection to royal grandeur and sacred rituals.

 Additionally, another 7.5ml bottle is a clear glass cube, topped with a square stopper, adorned with a simple paper label featuring a stylized pyramid. The box for this bottle features gilded hieroglyphs that form a frame around the name "Amun," further enhancing the connection to ancient Egyptian art and writing. This "Egyptian Collection" packaging dates the perfume to 1991.

The 15ml parfum bottle is topped with a gilded winged scarab, a symbol closely linked to King Tut’s hieroglyphic name and the idea of rebirth and protection. This scarab is a nod to the ancient Egyptian tradition where the scarab beetle was considered a protector, often used in amulets to ensure safe passage into the afterlife. The box for this particular size portrays a tender scene of King Tut pouring perfume into the hands of Ankhesenamun, his queen, as she delicately smells the fragrance. The image captures not only the intimacy of the royal couple but also the cultural importance of perfume in ancient Egyptian society as a luxury and a symbol of wealth and divinity.

The 0.3 oz Parfum Purse Spray is housed in a box that displays the back of a cedar chair, a piece of furniture that was often used by royalty. The central figure on the box is the god Heh, the god of eternity, who is depicted holding a "life" symbol, emphasizing the eternal nature of life and the fragrance itself. The design underscores the timelessness that Amun seeks to convey—both as a fragrance and as a tribute to ancient Egyptian heritage. 

The 120ml Eau de Toilette bottles are perhaps the most evocative of all, decorated with a scene from the back panel of King Tut’s gilded throne. The image portrays Queen Ankhesenamun offering papyrus and lotus blossoms to King Tut, highlighting the royal couple's relationship and the symbolism of flowers in Egyptian art as offerings of life and fertility. This scene, which is replicated on the box, is based on a casket found in Tutankhamun’s tomb, a visual reminder of the deep connection between the living and the divine in ancient Egypt. The intricate detailing on the casket lid, showing the couple in a pavilion adorned with flowers, fruit, and vines, brings to life the love and rituals of this iconic duo.

The 20ml Eau de Toilette bottle depicts King Tut seated on a small cushion, holding the flail and wearing the knepresh, a blue war crown. This crown was a symbol of military power and divine protection, underscoring Tut’s role as both a ruler and a sacred figure. This same scene adorns the box for the 95ml Eau de Toilette spray, which is contained inside of a frosted glass cylinder.

Similarly, the 30ml Eau de Toilette bottle features a depiction of Tut’s iconic gilded funerary mask, an image so embedded in the cultural consciousness as the face of ancient Egypt. The mask itself, crafted with great artistry and attention to detail, is a symbol of the king’s divine status and eternal life, as it was believed to protect the king’s spirit in the afterlife. The mask’s features—its striking eyes made of quartz and obsidian, and the uraeus (holy cobra) and vulture on the king’s forehead—are delicately reproduced on the bottle, embodying both regal majesty and spiritual protection.

The 60ml Eau de Toilette bottle is adorned with an image of Ankhesenamun gently massaging perfume onto the king’s shoulder. This scene, taken from the golden throne of Tutankhamun, illustrates the care and reverence between the royal couple. The throne itself was a masterpiece, overlaid with gold and inlaid with semi-precious stones, making this image not only one of love but also a symbol of the wealth and splendor of the era.

For a more understated yet elegant touch, the 40ml Eau de Toilette flacon features a simple design, with a clear glass bottle and a basic paper label, lacking the elaborate scenes of the other bottles. It serves as a more minimalist tribute to the fragrance’s rich origins, yet still retains its connection to the divine and royal themes.

In addition to the perfume, Amun was also released in the form of a solid perfume compact, a beautiful accessory that perfectly complemented the fragrance's lavish theme. Fashioned in the shape of a winged sphinx, the compact's design was both elegant and symbolic, evoking the mystique of ancient Egypt. The gold-tone case, measuring a petite 1.25" x 1.25", was a refined, portable way to carry the luxurious scent of Amun wherever you went. Its compact size and intricate design made it a striking collectible, with the winged sphinx serving as a timeless symbol of divine protection. This compact was not just a practical item but also a beautiful piece of art, combining both function and symbolism in a way that reflected the grandeur of the fragrance it contained.

The deodorant spray canister showcases a scene of a seated King Tut smelling a lotus blossom, while his queen sits affectionately at his feet. This tender scene reinforces the intimate and sacred nature of the royal couple’s relationship, and the presence of the lotus symbolizes rebirth, purity, and enlightenment. Lastly, the perfumed soap box displays a scene of Ankhesenamun tying a collar around King Tut's neck, an act of reverence that echoes the deep cultural significance of personal adornment and ritual in ancient Egypt.

In every bottle and box, Amun beautifully encapsulates the grandeur, mysticism, and love of ancient Egypt, making the fragrance not just a sensory experience but a journey into the world of the pharaohs, their gods, and the timeless treasures they left behind.

 

Fate of the Fragrance:

Launched in 1981, Amun was a fragrance that quickly captured the imagination with its luxurious, opulent theme, drawing inspiration from the grandeur of ancient Egypt and the mystical allure of the pharaohs. Despite its enchanting blend of ingredients, it was met with an untimely discontinuation shortly after its release. As a result, it quickly faded from the market, making it a rare find today. The perfume’s ambitious concept, centered around the magnificence of King Tutankhamun’s tomb and the golden treasures found within, reflected the sophisticated appeal that brands often sought to offer in the early '80s, combining rich historical references with modern elegance.

Unfortunately, Amun’s brief time on the market means that those who remember its release do so with a sense of nostalgia and longing. The fragrance was beloved for its complex composition, which blended spicy, floral, and balsamic notes, evoking an air of mystery and indulgence. However, the fragrance’s short lifespan meant that many consumers never had the chance to experience it firsthand, and those who did often find it difficult to obtain today. Whether in perfume bottles adorned with gilded Egyptian motifs or the smooth, luxurious scent itself, Amun continues to be a coveted piece of olfactory history that is not easily found on the shelves of modern perfumeries. Its rarity and the unique connection to ancient Egyptian art and royalty have only contributed to its allure, making it a sought-after collector's item for fragrance enthusiasts and history aficionados alike.