Prince Douka by Marquay c1951

Prince Douka by Parfums Marquay: launched in 1951. Originally named "Parfum Douka" when it was first released in 1949.

The name refers to Douka, Tieghemella africana, also called Makore wood, sometimes used in place of African Mahogany (Khaya spp.), and has been sold under the trade name Cherry Mahogany, though the wood is not closely related to any of the species or genera in the mahogany (Meliaceae) family.


Chicago Tribune, 1949:

"Parfum Douka, a newcomer from France by Marquay, It is exotic, gala and wonderful for furs. $17.50 and $35."

Fragrance Composition:

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

• Top notes: bergamot, aldehydes
• Middle notes: jasmine, rose, other flower essences
• Base notes: ambergris, vanilla, sandalwood, oakmoss, patchouli, labdanum, musk

Bottles:

Original Presentation:

The "Parfum Douka" bottle is of clear glass, tall and slender in shape, and molded with shallow demilune cuts, it features a frosted glass stopper of stylized shape of a head wearing a turban or headpiece. There are no facial features other than a triangular nose and ears which are fitted with gilded metal rings to suggest earrings.

The 2 ounce bottle is held in place by clips which secure it to the wooden base of the presentation box. The cover slips over the top and is made of exotically carved mahogany wood (Douka acajou massif) which resembles an African sculpture. The base is molded with "Bottle Made in France." The case is 7” high. The bottle is 5½” high. The base of the bottle is 3” square.

There have been examples of the 1/4 oz bottles with this stylized head stopper put up in boxes of three during the 1950s.

Arabian Nights Presentation:

The "Prince Douka" versions are known for their bottles whose stoppers feature a turbaned Maharaja. These are fitted with a frosted figural head stopper with a detailed turban fitted with a rhinestone and often a feather aigrette. Dressed in embroidered satin capes are "The Page," "The Young Princess," and "The Princess." "The Prince" who appears in an embroidered white satin costume. There are, too, brocaded evening bag presentations of this floral yet exotic perfume.  

• 1/4 oz bottle stands 3" tall.
• stands just under 4" tall.
• 4.75"
• 5"
• 5.5" tall
• 2 oz Factice stands 6.5" tall

Other bottles are the miniature glass bottles, octagonal and faceted in velvet in glowing red, blue, pink, black or white, or brocade satin vanity pouches. These highly decorative packs are intended to protect the perfume from light as well as to enhance the charm of your dressing table. 

• 2 oz cologne flacon with oval mirror.
• 1/4 oz parfum purse flacon with round cut mirror with velvet pouch
• 1/4 oz aerosol parfum purse flacon in lizard sheath
• 2 oz trapezoidal clear glass bottle with flat rectangular stopper
• 1 oz trapezoidal clear glass bottle with flat rectangular stopper
• square clear glass bottle with flat rectangular stopper

Fate of the Fragrance:

Still sold in 1974.