Tu Reja by Myrurgia c1920

The perfume "Tu Reja" by Myrurgia was launched in 1920, a time when romantic ideals were often intertwined with notions of chivalry, courtship, and the poetic allure of balconies. In this era, balconies served as symbols of romantic encounters, where lovers could exchange glances, words, and serenades in a private yet exposed setting. This period saw a heightened appreciation for traditional forms of romance, where gestures and settings played significant roles in courtship.

During the early 20th century, literature and films frequently explored themes of romance that involved secret meetings and heartfelt conversations at balconies. One of the most iconic literary works that embody this ideal is William Shakespeare’s "Romeo and Juliet," particularly the famous balcony scene. Although Shakespeare's play was written much earlier, its themes continued to influence romantic narratives in the 1920s. Additionally, silent films of that era often depicted dramatic and tender moments on balconies, aligning with the cultural fascination with romanticism.

"Tu Reja" translates to "Your Grille" or "Your Gate" in Spanish. The word "reja" refers to the iron bars or grille commonly found on windows and balconies in Spanish architecture, which bear a significant Moorish influence. The Moors, who ruled parts of Spain for several centuries, left a lasting impact on Spanish art and architecture, including the intricate designs of ironwork that adorn many buildings. These iron grilles, with their elaborate and delicate patterns, not only serve a practical purpose of security but also add an element of mystery and charm to romantic encounters. By choosing the name "Tu Reja," Myrurgia evokes the intimate, almost clandestine nature of lovers' exchanges through the protective, yet revealing barrier of the balcony grille.

The name "Tu Reja" is evocative and laden with imagery, making it a compelling choice for a perfume. It conjures up visions of twilight conversations, whispered secrets, and the soft glow of lanterns illuminating a serene balcony framed by ornate, Moorish-inspired ironwork. For women in the 1920s, a perfume named "Tu Reja" would resonate with the longing for such romantic escapades and the allure of forbidden or hidden love.

Women of that time would likely have found the name "Tu Reja" enchanting and evocative of personal, sentimental experiences. The perfume could symbolize the mystery and depth of their own romantic aspirations or memories. The response to this perfume would have been one of intrigue and attraction, as it promised to encapsulate the essence of those tender moments and romantic ideals that many aspired to or cherished.

The word "Tu Reja" evokes images of delicate, wrought-iron grilles framing a balcony, the gentle rustling of leaves, and the soft murmur of intimate conversations. Emotions stirred by this term include nostalgia, passion, and a wistful yearning for romantic connection. As a perfume name, it stands out for its uniqueness and poetic resonance, offering a sensory experience that goes beyond mere fragrance to evoke a whole atmosphere of romance.

In essence, "Tu Reja" would be interpreted as more than just a perfume name; it would be seen as an invitation to step into a world of elegance and romanticism, capturing the very spirit of love that lingers at the threshold of possibility and longing. The Moorish influence on the iron grilles enhances this allure, adding an exotic and historical dimension to the romantic fantasy, making it not only a unique name for a perfume but also a deeply meaningful one that connects with the emotions and imaginations of its users.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? it is classified as a spicy floral fragrance for women with a dominant carnation note.

• Top notes: cassie, clove, jonquil, rose geranium, neroli, pimento, petitgrain
• Middle notes: carnation, rose, orange blossom, tuberose, jasmine, orris, ylang ylang
• Base notes: vanilla, styrax, tolu, ambergris, musk, benzoin, patchouli, sandalwood, ambrette, civet

The New Yorker, 1932:

"Myrurgia: A Moi, is new, voluptuous, and fun. They do perfumes that are Spanish without being too much so: Suspiro de Granada (sandalwoody), Tu Reja (carnation), and Joya, to mention only a few.

Scent Profile:

In the heart of old Spain, within the labyrinthine streets of the Moorish quarter, a "maja" beauty named Isabella stands behind an ornate iron grille that adorns her window. Her black lace veil, delicate and mysterious, barely conceals her enchanting eyes as she peers out into the twilight. The intricate ironwork, a testament to the Moorish influence, frames her face as she catches sight of her lover, Alejandro, making his way through the cobblestone streets.

With a heart pounding with anticipation, Isabella rushes to her balcony, its wrought-iron railing draped in cascading flowers of vivid colors. The evening air is filled with the heady scent of blooming roses and jasmine, mingling with the soft, spicy notes of clove and pimento. She watches as Alejandro looks up, his eyes locking onto hers, and she throws down her perfumed scarf. The scarf floats gently through the air, trailing the scent of cassie and neroli, as Alejandro catches it and clutches it to his heart.

Alejandro, overcome with emotion, begins to serenade Isabella with a love ballad. The melody carries through the warm night, intertwining with the fragrance that now envelops him. As he sings, the air is filled with the vibrant top notes of cassie, clove, jonquil, rose geranium, neroli, pimento, and petitgrain. Each note tells a part of their story—cassie’s floral powderiness speaks of their secret whispers, clove’s spiciness hints at their passionate longing, and jonquil’s narcotic sweetness evokes their stolen moments.

Isabella, standing on her balcony adorned with flowers, breathes in deeply. The middle notes of the perfume begin to unfold, painting a vivid picture of their romance. The dominant carnation note, with its spicy and clove-like aroma, mirrors the fiery intensity of their love. Roses, lush and velvety, symbolize their deep affection, while orange blossom and tuberose lend a creamy, heady sweetness that speaks of their dreams for the future. Jasmine’s rich, intoxicating fragrance mingles with orris’s earthy elegance, and ylang-ylang’s exotic floral notes hint at the allure of the forbidden.

As Alejandro’s song reaches its crescendo, the base notes of the perfume reveal themselves, grounding the ethereal with their deep, sensual presence. Vanilla’s comforting warmth is like the touch of Isabella’s hand, while styrax and tolu add a balsamic richness that speaks of the depth of their bond. Ambergris and musk bring a subtle, animalic sensuality, echoing the raw, unspoken desires between them. Benzoin’s sweet resinous note, patchouli’s earthy depth, and sandalwood’s creamy smoothness intertwine, creating a lingering trail of passion and devotion. Ambrette and civet add an exotic, almost primal touch, completing the olfactory tapestry of their love story.

In this moment, the air is alive with the magic of "Tu Reja" by Myrurgia, a spicy floral fragrance that encapsulates their romance. Isabella and Alejandro’s love is a symphony of scents and emotions, an exquisite blend of floral, spicy, and woody notes that tell a timeless tale of passion and devotion in the enchanting Moorish quarter of old Spain.

Bottle:

"Tu Reja" by Myrurgia is not only a fragrance but a work of art, housed in a clear glass bottle that captures the essence of elegance and romance. The bottle is enveloped in an organdy bag, its delicate fabric forming the shape of a flowing skirt, reminiscent of a flamenco dancer’s attire. This charming presentation is further embellished by a piece of curled wool, intricately crafted into the form of a carnation with petals, which hangs gracefully from the neck of the bottle. This unique design element pays homage to the dominant carnation note within the perfume, symbolizing passion and love, and enhancing the overall aesthetic of "Tu Reja." The packaging beautifully mirrors the fragrance's blend of tradition and romance, making it a captivating piece that appeals to both the senses and the heart.

Fate of the Fragrance:

"Tu Reja" by Myrurgia, a perfume that once epitomized the allure of romance and elegance, has an intriguing history marked by its eventual discontinuation, the exact date of which remains shrouded in mystery. Despite its withdrawal from production, "Tu Reja" continued to captivate hearts and find admirers long after its initial launch in 1920.

As the years passed, fragrances evolved with changing tastes and trends, yet "Tu Reja" maintained a loyal following. Its blend of spicy floral notes, centered around the dominant carnation accord, stood out amidst the shifting landscape of perfumery. This enduring appeal ensured that even in 1932, well over a decade since its introduction, "Tu Reja" was still being sought after and cherished by those who appreciated its timeless elegance.

The persistence of "Tu Reja" on the market until at least 1932 speaks to its lasting impact and the emotional connection it forged with its wearers. Despite the passage of time and the emergence of new perfumes, "Tu Reja" remained a symbol of sophistication and romance, evoking memories of bygone eras and the allure of old-world charm. Its continued presence on perfume counters in the early 1930s underscores its status as a beloved classic, beloved for its distinctive fragrance and the nostalgia it evoked for an era defined by grace and passion.