Hindustan by Myrurgia c1922

In 1922, when Myrurgia launched the perfume "Hindustan," Spain's connection to India was primarily through its colonial history. At the time, Spain held the Philippines as a colony, but it maintained trade connections with India, particularly in textiles and spices. The fascination with the exotic Orient, including India, was prevalent in Europe during this era, influenced by colonial expansion, trade routes, and cultural exchange.

Films with Indian themes did exist in the early 20th century, although they were not as widespread as in later decades. Nevertheless, cultural and artistic representations of India in European media often romanticized and exoticized the country, portraying it as a land of mystique and allure.

Myrurgia likely chose the name "Hindustan" for its perfume to capitalize on this fascination with the exoticism of India. In Spanish, "Hindustan" refers to the historical region of North India, emphasizing its rich cultural heritage and association with spices, textiles, and luxury goods coveted in Europe at the time.

"Hindustan" would make a compelling name for a perfume because it evokes images of opulence, mystery, and sensuality associated with the Orient. For women of the early 20th century, a perfume named "Hindustan" would likely appeal as it promised to transport them to a distant, glamorous world of spices, silks, and exotic beauty.

Women of that time would probably respond positively to "Hindustan" due to its evocative name and luxurious connotations. The imagery of a woman on the packaging wearing harem pants and jeweled attire further reinforces this exotic allure, appealing to fantasies of an Eastern sensibility.

The word "Hindustan" conjures up images of bustling bazaars, intricate fabrics, spices wafting through the air, and perhaps even romanticized visions of palaces and gardens. Emotionally, it suggests adventure, romance, and a touch of the unknown, which would have been highly appealing to consumers seeking escapism and luxury.

Naming a perfume "Hindustan" in 1922 would indeed be unique and intriguing. It would set itself apart from other perfumes by tapping into a trend of Orientalism that was fashionable in European society at the time, yet still retaining an air of exclusivity and sophistication.

The word "Hindustan" would likely be interpreted by consumers as a symbol of luxury, exoticism, and cultural richness from the Indian subcontinent. It would signify not just a fragrance, but an experience—a journey to a faraway land of elegance and allure, encapsulated in a bottle.

In conclusion, "Hindustan" by Myrurgia, launched in 1922, leveraged Spain's colonial connections and Europe's fascination with the Orient. The name, imagery, and cultural context surrounding the perfume would have resonated with women of the era, promising a sensorial journey to the exotic and luxurious world of Hindustan.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as a spicy oriental fragrance for women.

• Top notes: saffron, mandarin, neroli, bergamot, cassie, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, black pepper
• Middle notes: cardamom, clove, rose, jasmine, carnation, orange blossom, tuberose, gardenia, orris
• Base notes: turmeric,cedar, patchouli, ambergris, sandalwood, civet, tonka bean, oakmoss, vanilla, benzoin, labdanum

Scent Profile:

As the Spanish spice merchant's ship glides into the bustling port of Bombay (Mumbai), India, a cacophony of sounds greets him: the rhythmic chants of dockworkers, the creaking of wooden ships, and the distant calls of vendors in the market. The air is thick with the mingling scents of spices, incense, and the salty tang of the Arabian Sea.

Stepping onto the quay, he is immediately enveloped in a whirlwind of colors and aromas. Stalls overflowing with vivid mounds of saffron, turmeric, and cardamom catch his eye, while the pungent aroma of freshly ground black pepper and cloves tickles his nose. He negotiates with local traders, haggling over sacks of cinnamon bark and nutmeg, their fragrances releasing a warm, spicy bouquet as he inspects each precious kernel.

Moving deeper into the market, he encounters bundles of neroli and mandarin oranges, their zestiness cutting through the heady spice-laden air. Nearby, the sweet floral notes of jasmine and tuberose mingle with the creamy richness of gardenia and orange blossom, enticing him with their exotic allure.

Amidst the sensory overload, he pauses to touch the rough, aromatic cedarwood crates and smooth sandalwood logs, imagining the perfumed luxury they will bring to his customers in Spain. Each touch brings a revelation of texture and scent, from the roughness of patchouli leaves to the silky smoothness of ambergris and the powdery softness of orris root.

As the days pass, he tastes the local cuisine, flavored with the very spices he has bartered for: cinnamon-infused chai tea, fragrant biryanis laced with saffron, and delicate rosewater sweets. Each bite is a symphony of flavors that mirror the complexity of the market's scents.

When the time comes to bid farewell to India, he boards his ship laden with exotic treasures. The rich aroma of vanilla and benzoin fills the air, mingling with the lingering traces of incense and the salty breeze of the sea. With a heart full of memories and a cargo hold brimming with the essence of Hindustan, he sets sail for distant Spain, eager to share the exotic fragrances of the East with his homeland.

In this journey, each ingredient of Hindustan by Myrurgia is not merely a scent, but a vibrant story woven into the fabric of trade, culture, and adventure between two distant lands.

Product Line:

The product line of Hindustan by Myrurgia, launched in 1922, included a range of offerings designed to embody its exotic and luxurious appeal. At the core of the collection was the Parfum, or Extracto, which represented the concentrated essence of the fragrance, promising a rich and long-lasting scent experience. Complementing this was the Lotion, marketed as an eau de toilette, providing a lighter yet still indulgent version of the perfume suitable for daily wear. Additionally, the line featured Face Powder, known as Polvos, which likely incorporated the fragrance's essence, offering women not only a cosmetic but a way to enhance their allure with a hint of Hindustan's exotic charm. Together, these products formed a cohesive ensemble catering to the desires of the time for sophistication, luxury, and a touch of the mystical Orient, making Hindustan a comprehensive and appealing choice for fashionable women of the early 20th century.

Bottle:

The Hindustan perfume by Myrurgia of Barcelona is a masterpiece that embodies the essence of exotic allure and artistic elegance. Housed in a clear glass bottle with a striking triangular shape, its lateral panels are adorned with intricately detailed foliage in high relief, adding a touch of ornate sophistication. The bottle stands tall and slender, exuding a sense of grace and refinement, capped off by an attractive stopper that hints at the treasure within.

What truly captures the imagination, however, is the full-color paper label adorning the bottle. Here, an exotic oriental dancer comes to life, her figure depicted in vivid detail against a backdrop that evokes the mystique of Hindustan. This visual portrayal not only enhances the perfume's allure but also serves as a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship of its creators in capturing the essence of distant lands.

Measuring nearly 10 inches in height and 2.5 inches in width, the Hindustan bottle commands attention with its size and presence. Its dimensions not only showcase the perfume as a substantial and luxurious offering but also emphasize its status as a coveted collectible within the realm of fragrance history.

Highlighted in "Masterpieces of the Perfume Industry" by Christie Mayer Lefkowith on pages 203 and 197, Hindustan stands as a testament to the intersection of art, culture, and olfactory mastery. It is a fragrance that not only transports the wearer to the exotic landscapes of Hindustan but also invites admiration for its exquisite presentation and historical significance in the world of perfumery.

Fate of the Fragrance:

Hindustan by Myrurgia, though its discontinuation date remains shrouded in mystery, continued to be available as late as 1942, suggesting a lasting appeal and popularity throughout its production. Today, bottles of this esteemed fragrance are a rare find, cherished for their scarcity and historical significance in the world of perfumery. If one chances upon a Hindustan bottle, it is advised to seize the opportunity without hesitation, even if solely for the exquisite artwork adorning its label. The beautifully illustrated depiction of an oriental dancer on the label not only adds to its allure but also serves as a poignant reminder of a bygone era of elegance and exoticism. Hindustan remains a sought-after treasure for collectors and enthusiasts alike, symbolizing a blend of artistic craftsmanship and the timeless allure of fragrance.