Fairy Tale of Tsar Saltan by Novaya Zarya c1949

"Fairy Tale of Tsar Saltan" by Novaya Zarya, launched around 1949, is a fragrance released in honor of the 150th anniversary of the birth of Alexander Pushkin, the renowned Russian poet and author.

 Alongside "Fairy Tale of Tsar Saltan," Novaya Zarya also released two other perfumes: "Queen of Spades" and "The Tale of the Fisherman and the Fish." These fragrances likely draw inspiration from the classic works of Pushkin, capturing the essence of his literary masterpieces in olfactory form. 

"Fairy Tale of Tsar Saltan" in particular may evoke the magical and whimsical elements of Pushkin's famous fairy tale, offering wearers a sensory journey into the world of Russian folklore and literature. The inclusion of such fragrances in Novaya Zarya's collection showcases the brand's commitment to celebrating Russian culture and heritage through the art of perfumery.

Новая Заря: СКАЗКА О ЦАРЕ САЛТАНЕ

Fragrance Composition:

Notes at a glance:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as a floral chypre fragrance for women. The scent was described as " an amazingly persistent, heavy, pleasant odor of the chypre variety, reminiscent of te beloved ancient legends of deepest antiquity."

• Top notes: violet, bergamot, carnation
• Middle notes: orris, oregano, sage, lavender
• Base notes: white musk, patchouli, oakmoss, ambergris, sandalwood

"Fairy Tale of Tsar Saltan" by Novaya Zarya, classified as a floral chypre fragrance for women, is a captivating olfactory experience. The scent is described as having an amazingly persistent, heavy, and pleasant odor reminiscent of beloved ancient legends, evoking the depths of antiquity.

Here's a breakdown of its fragrance notes:

Top notes: Violet, bergamot, carnation - These top notes likely provide a fresh and floral opening, with the bergamot adding a citrusy brightness to the composition.

Middle notes: Orris, oregano, sage, lavender - The middle notes introduce a complex herbal and floral bouquet, with lavender adding a calming and aromatic touch, complemented by the earthiness of sage and oregano, and the powdery sweetness of orris.

Base notes: White musk, patchouli, oakmoss, ambergris, sandalwood - The base notes anchor the fragrance with their rich and sensual tones. White musk provides a clean and musky undertone, while patchouli and oakmoss contribute to the classic chypre accord, adding depth and sophistication. Ambergris likely lends a warm and slightly animalic quality, while sandalwood adds a creamy and woody texture to the composition.

Overall, "Fairy Tale of Tsar Saltan" seems to offer a multifaceted fragrance experience, blending floral, herbal, and woody notes to create a scent that is both timeless and enchanting, reminiscent of the romantic allure of ancient legends.

'The Tale of Tsar Saltan, of his Son the Renowned and Mighty Bogatyr Prince Gvidon Saltanovich, and of the Beautiful Princess-Swan' is an 1831 poem by Aleksandr Pushkin.

The story is of three sisters, of whom the youngest is chosen by Tsar Saltan to be his wife, while he makes the other two his royal cook and royal weaver. They are jealous of course, and when the tsarina gives birth to a son, Prince Gvidon, they arrange to have her and her child ordered to be shut up in a barrel and thrown into the sea. The sea itself takes pity on them, and they are cast up on the shore of a remote island Buyan. The son, having quickly grown while in the barrel, goes hunting. However, he ends up saving an enchanted swan from a kite. The swan creates a city for Prince Gvidon to rule, but he is homesick, and the swan turns him into a mosquito. In this guise he visits Tsar Saltan's court, w he stings his aunt's eye and escapes.

Back in his distant realm, the swan gives Gvidon a magical squirrel. But he continues to pine for home, so the swan transforms him into a fly, and in the Tsar's court he stings the eye of his other aunt. In a third round he becomes a wasp (or bee) and stings the nose of his grandmother. In the end, he expresses a desire for a bride instead of his old home, upon which the swan is revealed to be a beautiful princess, whom he marries. He is visited by the Tsar, who is overjoyed to find his wife and newly-married son.

Bottles:

The attention to detail in the presentation of "Fairy Tale of Tsar Saltan" by Novaya Zarya is truly remarkable. The frosted and clear glass bottles, adorned with exceptional Russian folk patterns representing traditional women's folk costumes, add a touch of cultural richness and elegance to the fragrance. The stoppers molded in the shape of a kokoshnik, a symbol of Russian heritage and femininity, further enhance the connection to Russian culture.

The large cologne bottle, measuring 3 3/4" tall, and the smaller parfum bottle, standing 3 1/2" tall, are housed in a papier-mache box measuring 7" long x 4 1/2" wide x 2" tall. This packaging not only protects the bottles but also adds to the overall aesthetic appeal, evoking a sense of luxury and sophistication.

Altogether, the packaging of "Fairy Tale of Tsar Saltan" reflects the attention to detail and craftsmanship synonymous with Novaya Zarya, further enhancing the experience of owning and using this enchanting fragrance inspired by the timeless tales of Russian folklore.

Fate of the Fragrance:

The perfume was discontinued sometime in the 1980s and can be extremely hard to find. It's unfortunate that such a lovely fragrance like "Fairy Tale of Tsar Saltan" by Novaya Zarya has been discontinued since the 1980s. Its rarity adds to its mystique and allure, making it a sought-after treasure for perfume enthusiasts and collectors alike. For those lucky enough to come across a bottle, it's truly a special find, offering a glimpse into the rich history and artistry of Russian perfumery.