Flor de Blason by Myrurgia c1926

In 1926, Spain was a country rich with historical and cultural references to its chivalric past. The legacy of knights, noble families, and castles was still very much a part of the national consciousness. This era was characterized by a deep appreciation for Spain's medieval heritage, where the grandeur of castles, the intricate beauty of coat of arms, and the stories of valorous knights were celebrated. This period saw a romanticized view of the past, often depicted in literature, art, and emerging cinematic works.

Films and literature of the early 20th century often revisited these themes, glorifying the age of chivalry and the nobility. Movies that focused on medieval times, with their grandiose depictions of knights in shining armor and beautiful maidens, were popular. This historical nostalgia would have been a significant cultural backdrop against which Myrurgia launched "Flor de Blason."

The name "Flor de Blason" itself is deeply evocative and meaningful. In Spanish, "Flor de Blason" translates to "Flower of the Coat of Arms." The term "blason" refers to heraldic crests and coat of arms, symbols of noble lineage and heritage. The inclusion of "flower" evokes a sense of beauty, delicacy, and something treasured and admired. Therefore, the name combines notions of nobility and grace, suggesting a perfume that embodies these qualities.

"Flor de Blason" would make an excellent name for a perfume because it captures the essence of elegance and heritage. For women in 1926, a perfume named "Flor de Blason" would have conjured images of aristocratic splendor and timeless beauty. The name alone would evoke visions of lush castle gardens, the romanticism of noble lineages, and the refined, dignified life of the upper echelons of society.

Women of the time would likely have responded to this perfume with a sense of admiration and aspiration. The name "Flor de Blason" would have appealed to their sense of romanticism and desire for elegance, connecting them to a glorified past of noble virtues and chivalric ideals. The emotional response would be one of pride, nostalgia, and a longing for the refinement and grace associated with the noble families and their storied histories.

The images and emotions evoked by "Flor de Blason" include the delicate beauty of a flower, the grandeur of a coat of arms, and the stately presence of castles. It suggests a blend of fragility and strength, beauty and heritage, making it a unique and memorable name for a perfume. The name stands out for its ability to convey a rich tapestry of historical and cultural associations, making it not only a fragrance but a symbol of an idealized past.

In interpreting "Flor de Blason," one would see it as a representation of noble beauty and historical prestige. It signifies a product that is not merely a scent but an experience that connects the wearer to the splendor and sophistication of Spain's illustrious past.

 

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as a bright citrus and floral blend fougere fragrance for women. It starts off with a fresh and herbaceous top note, followed by a dry, spicy heart, resting on a sweet, powdery base. It was described as "a dusky garden scent filled with citrus and floral scents of the Alhambra."

• Top notes: bergamot, lavender, lemon, clary sage
• Middle notes: carnation, Bulgarian rose, geranium, jasmine
• Base notes: sandalwood, tonka bean, heliotrope, vanilla, oakmoss, patchouli, labdanum, benzoin

Scent Profile:

In the heart of Spain's chivalric past, amidst the sprawling grounds of an ancient castle, the air is alive with the essence of Flor de Blason by Myrurgia. As you approach the castle gates, you are greeted by the crisp, invigorating scent of bergamot dancing on a gentle breeze. Its citrusy notes mingle with the herbaceous freshness of lavender, evoking images of sun-drenched castle gardens bursting with aromatic plants.

Upon entering the castle courtyard, you encounter the next layer of Flor de Blason's fragrance journey. The air is now tinged with the spicy warmth of clary sage, adding depth and complexity to the herbaceous bouquet. It feels as if you've stumbled upon a secret garden where medieval apothecaries once concocted their aromatic blends, stirring the senses with anticipation.

As you venture deeper into the castle's inner chambers, the fragrance unfolds further. The heart notes reveal themselves—a rich tapestry of floral splendor. Carnation and Bulgarian rose intertwine, their petals exuding a heady, romantic aroma that speaks of noble love stories and courtly intrigues. Geranium lends a fresh greenness, while jasmine adds a touch of exotic allure, reminiscent of gardens carefully tended by generations of castle residents.

Moving towards the castle's ancient library, the base notes of Flor de Blason start to emerge. Here, amidst shelves of leather-bound tomes, you catch whispers of sandalwood and tonka bean. These velvety scents wrap around you like a comforting embrace, hinting at the luxurious trappings of noble living.

As you linger in the castle's grand hall, traces of heliotrope and vanilla drift through the air, casting a sweet, powdery veil over everything. The fragrance now evokes images of lavish banquets and opulent celebrations, where the nobility gathered to revel in their wealth and status.

Outside, the scent of oakmoss and patchouli mingles with the lingering echoes of chivalric tales and the solemn vows of knights. It adds a grounding earthiness to Flor de Blason, anchoring its lofty floral and citrus notes in the rich soil of tradition and heritage.

In the distant background, the haunting notes of labdanum and benzoin weave a mysterious melody, reminiscent of ancient rituals and the sacred oaths sworn beneath the castle's coat of arms.

Each element of Flor de Blason by Myrurgia tells a story—a story of Spain's chivalric past, where castles stood as bastions of power and prestige, where noble families wrote their histories in coats of arms and heraldic crests. The fragrance captures this essence in a bottle, inviting you to embark on a sensory journey through time and tradition, where every inhale reveals a new chapter of romance, elegance, and enduring beauty.

Product Line & Bottles:

Flor de Blason by Myrurgia, introduced in 1926, offered an expansive collection of luxurious products that extended beyond just a single fragrance, allowing women to fully immerse themselves in the elegant and aristocratic world suggested by the name. Available in various forms—parfum, eau de toilette, cologne, face powder, and toilet soap—Flor de Blason provided a comprehensive sensory experience, enveloping users in an aura of refined sophistication.

The parfum was the most concentrated form of the fragrance, embodying the rich and complex scent profile that lasted throughout the day. It was the epitome of luxury, designed for special occasions or for women who desired a powerful and enduring presence. The parfum's intensity and depth would evoke the grandeur and opulence of Spain's noble past, making it a treasured addition to any woman's collection.

The lotion (locion) was actually an eau de toilette which offered a lighter, yet still substantial, version of the scent. Known for its refreshing and more approachable nature, it was ideal for daily wear. This form of Flor de Blason allowed women to carry a sense of elegance and sophistication with them throughout their everyday activities. The eau de toilette was perfect for those who appreciated the fragrance's essence but preferred a less intense application, making it versatile and practical for various occasions.

Cologne (colonia) provided an even lighter and more invigorating experience. It was designed for casual, everyday use, especially during warmer weather or more informal settings. The cologne's airy and refreshing quality made it a staple for women who wanted to maintain the elegant scent of Flor de Blason without the heaviness of more concentrated forms. This ensured that the fragrance remained a constant, yet subtle, part of their daily routine.

Face powder (polvo) was an essential beauty product of the era, providing a flawless, matte finish to the complexion. Infused with the Flor de Blason scent, the face powder added an extra layer of sophistication to the daily makeup routine. Every touch-up throughout the day would be accompanied by the gentle reminder of the fragrance, blending cosmetic application with the luxurious and noble aura the perfume embodied.

Toilet soap (jabon) transformed a simple cleansing routine into an indulgent experience. Scented with Flor de Blason, the soap left a delicate aroma on the skin, providing a fragrant foundation for the other products. This high-quality soap ensured that the skin felt clean, soft, and subtly perfumed, making the everyday act of bathing a ritual of elegance and refinement.

By offering Flor de Blason in these varied forms, Myrurgia allowed women to create a cohesive and immersive experience, ensuring that the scent could be seamlessly integrated into all aspects of their daily lives. Each product, from the concentrated parfum to the refreshing eau de toilette and cologne, the luxurious face powder, and the scented soap, contributed to a comprehensive beauty regimen that encapsulated the essence of noble elegance and historical romance. This range of products provided women with the opportunity to feel consistently connected to the sophisticated and illustrious heritage that Flor de Blason symbolized.

Fate of the Fragrance:

Flor de Blason by Myrurgia, a fragrance launched in 1926, eventually became a discontinued product, though the exact date of discontinuation remains unknown. Despite its discontinuation, Flor de Blason retained its appeal and presence in the market for many decades. Notably, it was still available for purchase as late as 1982. This was confirmed by a reader who managed to buy it in Madrid during that year. The enduring availability of Flor de Blason for over half a century after its launch speaks to its lasting popularity and the enduring allure of its sophisticated and noble scent. The fragrance continued to captivate and resonate with consumers long after its introduction, maintaining a place in the hearts and on the dressing tables of those who cherished its unique blend of elegance and historical romance.

images from drouot