Columbian Exposition 1893

World's Fair and Exposition souvenirs have long captivated collectors with their historical significance and unique designs. This fascination extends to the exquisite perfume bottles from the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago, an event held to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus's arrival in the New World. The fair, which ran for six months, drew over 27 million visitors and left an indelible mark on American culture and industry. The souvenirs from this grand event, especially the perfume bottles, remain highly sought after by enthusiasts.

Black Casket by Novaya Zarya c1947

Black Casket by Novaya Zarya: launched in 1947. Chyornyi Larets  (Tchernyi Larets)  черный гроб

The perfume was created by Vitkovskaya A.P.

Black Casket was imported into the United States by an American company known as The Russian Shop, who imported various Russian fragrances in the 1960s.

The name was said to be changed to "Treasure Chest" by 1961.

 Anglo-American News - Volume 28, 1961:

"Russian marketing experts show an acute sense of the problems of product presentation and merchandising in foreign markets. For instance, a big-selling perfume on the Soviet domestic-market, Black Casket, has been renamed Treasure Chest."

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

Stone Flower by Novaya Zarya c1955

Stone Flower (Fleur En Pierre/Kamennyi Tsvetok) by Novaya Zarya/New Dawn: launched in 1955.

This is my first entry into the world of the Russian perfume industry. Many of my readers hail from that part of the world, and I know they might enjoy these blog posts. If you have anything to add, please feel free to share your memories, comments or info with me.

A popular legend in Russia revolves around the creation of a famous perfume, Stone Flower, a perfume that was said to be born from the revival of the country to civilian life. Stone Flower was very successful and won a Grand Prix medal at the Brussels industrial exhibition in 1958.

"The North" Polar Bear Topped Perfume Bottle

The mystery has been solved -- you've seen the frosted glass perfume bottle with the polar bear on top right? But never knew its name.....you knew it might have been Russian all along and yes, you were right, it is a Russian perfume bottle.

photo from ebay