Maja by Myrurgia was launched in 1921, a period marked by significant cultural and artistic developments in Europe, especially in the realms of fashion and beauty. The early 20th century saw the rise of new styles and a fascination with exoticism and romance, which were reflected in various forms of art and consumer products, including perfumes. During this time, Spain was recognized for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant arts scene, and captivating folklore, all of which influenced the creation of Maja.
Pronounced MA'-HA, the Spanish word "Maja" translates to "beautiful woman" in English. Myrurgia's choice of this name was a strategic one, aimed at evoking the allure and mystique of Spanish beauty. By naming the perfume Maja, Myrurgia tapped into the romantic and exotic image of Spanish women, renowned for their charm, grace, and passionate nature. The name itself conjures images of elegance, femininity, and a touch of the exotic, making it an appealing and marketable choice for a perfume.
The choice of "Maja" as a name for a perfume was likely influenced by the cultural connotations and emotional responses it would evoke among women of the time. A perfume named Maja would resonate with women seeking to embody or emulate the quintessential qualities of a beautiful Spanish woman. This desire for elegance, allure, and exotic appeal would have been particularly strong in the post-World War I era, a time when women were increasingly seeking new ways to express their identity and sophistication.
Women of the 1920s would have responded to a perfume called Maja with enthusiasm, as it represented not just a fragrance but an aspirational image. The name would evoke images of the quintessential Spanish beauty—graceful, passionate, and captivating. The cultural backdrop of the time, with its appreciation for exotic and romantic elements, would have made Maja a particularly enticing and desirable perfume.
The word "Maja" evokes strong images and emotions, such as elegance, sophistication, passion, and exotic beauty. It brings to mind the vibrant Spanish culture, with its rich traditions in dance, music, and art. The name also carries a sense of timeless allure, making it a unique and memorable choice for a perfume. Women interpreting the name Maja would likely associate it with these positive and aspirational qualities, enhancing the perfume's appeal.
The packaging of Maja by Myrurgia features an exotic eighteenth-century Spanish dancing girl, whose depiction is as evocative as the fragrance itself. This imagery pays homage to the legendary figure of the maja in Spanish culture—a woman known for her spirited and alluring persona. The maja is characterized by her full-skirted dress (basquina), adorned with lace (mantilla), and often seen with a handheld fan (ventilador de mano), embodying an irresistible femme fatale allure that captivated Spanish society.
In Spanish culture, the maja was celebrated for her vivaciousness and independence, contrasting with the more restrained norms of aristocratic society. Aristocratic ladies (petimetra) of the Spanish court were known to admire and emulate the maja's style, occasionally slipping away from formal gatherings to masquerade as majas themselves. This blend of admiration and emulation underscored the maja's cultural impact as a symbol of freedom and allure.
Francisco Goya, the renowned Spanish painter, famously depicted the Duchess of Alba as a naked maja in one of his paintings, causing both scandal and acclaim. This portrayal highlighted the maja's status as a subject of fascination and controversy, reflecting her enduring appeal in Spanish art and culture.
Maja, the perfume by Myrurgia, captures the essence of this spirited and vibrant persona. It is designed for those who embody the desire to dance until daylight, echoing the maja's energetic and passionate spirit. The fragrance evokes a sense of allure and excitement, mirroring the maja's legendary presence in Spanish society.
The distinctive label of Maja’s perfumes and soap boxes, inspired by the dancer Tórtola Valencia, added to its allure. Valencia, known for her captivating performances and stunning figure, embodied the essence of the Maja ideal. Her image on the packaging would have reinforced the perfume's connection to Spanish passion and seduction, making it even more appealing to women of the time.
In conclusion, the name Maja for Myrurgia's perfume was a masterful choice, evoking the beauty, passion, and elegance of Spanish culture. It resonated with the desires of women in the 1920s, offering them a way to connect with an exotic and romantic image. The perfume's launch during this vibrant cultural period, coupled with its evocative name and imagery, made Maja a significant and enduring fragrance in the world of perfumery. The packaging of Maja with its depiction of the eighteenth-century Spanish dancing girl not only enhances the visual appeal of the perfume but also enriches its cultural significance. It celebrates the maja as a timeless symbol of elegance and independence, inviting users to embrace their own inner maja and indulge in the fragrance's spirited allure.
Goyesca?
When the renowned Spanish perfume house Myrurgia sought to introduce their popular fragrance Maja to an international market, they encountered a legal challenge. It was discovered that a Swiss fragrance already bore the name Maja, presenting a potential copyright issue. To navigate this complication and avoid infringement, Myrurgia opted to use the name "Goyesca" for their fragrance outside of Spain. This alternative name allowed Myrurgia to expand Maja's reach globally while respecting existing trademarks. Goyesca carried the same allure and essence as Maja, ensuring that the fragrance's distinctive charm was preserved for international audiences.
The Spanish word "Goyesca" translates to "pertaining to Goya" in English, referring to Francisco Goya, the celebrated Spanish painter known for his depictions of Spanish life, nobility, and majas wearing traditional costumes. The name Goyesca evokes the elegance, drama, and romance characteristic of Goya's art, making it a fitting choice for a perfume that aims to embody these qualities. Myrurgia's choice to use the name Goyesca alongside Maja underscores the cultural and artistic influences that shaped the fragrance.
Choosing "Goyesca" as an alternative name for the perfume Maja was a strategic decision by Myrurgia. It highlighted the historical and artistic connections that the fragrance represented. The name Goyesca would evoke the sophistication and timeless beauty of Goya's era, making it an appealing choice for a perfume intended to convey elegance and cultural depth.
Women of the 1920s, a period of cultural refinement and appreciation for the arts, would have been drawn to a perfume called Goyesca. The name would resonate with those who admired the romanticism and historical richness of Goya's works. Wearing a perfume named Goyesca allowed them to connect with this heritage and embody the grace and allure of the figures depicted in Goya's paintings.
The response to a perfume named Goyesca would likely have been one of admiration and desire. Women would appreciate the cultural connotations and the sophistication the name implied. The imagery associated with Goyesca would evoke a sense of nobility, romance, and historical elegance, making the perfume not just a fragrance but a means to connect with an idealized vision of Spanish beauty and culture.
The word "Goyesca" evokes images and emotions of classical beauty, artistic elegance, and historical romance. It brings to mind the richly adorned figures in Goya's paintings, dressed in traditional Spanish attire, exuding an aura of sophistication and grace. This name is unique for a perfume, standing out for its cultural and artistic references, appealing to women seeking a sense of timeless elegance.
Interpreting the word "Goyesca," one would think of the grandeur and beauty of Spain’s artistic heritage. It suggests a connection to the past, to the romantic and dramatic elements of Goya's art, and to the timeless qualities of beauty and elegance. The name would likely be seen as both sophisticated and evocative, offering a sense of cultural richness and refinement.
In conclusion, Goyesca, as an alternative name for the perfume Maja by Myrurgia, captured the essence of Spanish cultural and artistic heritage. The name, evoking Goya's timeless and elegant works, resonated with women of the 1920s who appreciated the romantic and sophisticated qualities of the past. Goyesca stood out as a unique and culturally rich name, making it a memorable and desirable perfume for those seeking to connect with Spain’s artistic legacy.
Fragrance Composition:
So what does it smell like? It is classified as a classic spicy oriental fragrance for women. A deep mossy chypre fragrance accented with rose, jasmine, and orange blossom overtones with a sophisticated blend of spices.
- Top notes: citrus notes, bergamot, geranium, carnation, orange
- Middle notes: orange blossom, nutmeg, jasmine, wild lavender, cloves, rose d’Orient
- Base notes: cypress, patchouli, vetiver, tonka bean, ambergris, sandalwood, oakmoss, labdanum
The Sketch, 1927:
"Maja, a perfume blended with artistry by MYRURGIA of Barcelona, most exquisite and delightful of Myrurgia perfumes; the chosen fragrance of those lovely ladies, wives, daughters, sisters of the proud grandees of Spain. A strange thing - fragrance. So unfailing its enchantment so subtle its allure. And women - sensitive women - know this; know how the merest breath of the just right perfume can conjure up colourful pictures inspire admiration, heighten charm or express the very soul of tremulous, unspoken thoughts. And in MAJA - lovely women find the true perfume of their dreams. The liquid essence of Youth and Love and Laughter, it breathes a message that no words can utter. For, fragrantly delicate and marvellously appealing; different, yet always in good taste, MAJA toiletries - Perfume, Eau de Cologne, Toilet and Bath Soap, Complexion Powder and Cream, are indispensable to the women who would be truly smart. Obtainable from all High class Hairdressers, Perfumers, Stores and Beauty Salons."
Scent Profile:
In the heart of Old Madrid, where the cobbled streets wind through centuries-old buildings adorned with wrought-iron balconies and sun-washed facades, the essence of Myrurgia's Maja perfume unfolds like a vibrant tapestry of scents and scenes from another era. As you wander through the bustling Plaza Mayor, a hub of activity and social exchange, you are surrounded by the lively chatter of locals and the rhythmic clatter of hooves from passing carriages.
Amidst the lively square, majas and majos, dressed in traditional attire, flirt playfully under the dappled shade of lacy mantillas. The women's dresses, richly hued and embroidered, catch the sunlight in intricate patterns that echo the spice-laden allure of Maja. Petimetras, the aristocratic ladies seeking respite from formalities, mingle with the crowd, their laughter mingling with the strains of guitars and tambourines played by street musicians nearby.
Stalls overflowing with ripe citrus fruits and fragrant herbs line the edges of the plaza, their vibrant colors and earthy aromas mingling with the perfume of Maja in the warm air. Nearby, artisans deftly craft leather goods and intricate lace, their workshops filled with the scent of tanned hides and freshly spun thread. The nearby gardens offer a respite from the bustling marketplace, their pathways lined with orange blossoms and lavender, their sweet, floral scents blending harmoniously with the spicy overtones of the perfume.
Passing by notable landmarks like the Royal Palace, its imposing facade a testament to centuries of royal patronage and artistic achievement, you catch glimpses of ornate gardens where roses bloom alongside ancient cypress trees. Here, the scent of jasmine and wild lavender hangs in the air, punctuated by the warm, earthy notes of patchouli and vetiver that evoke the timeless allure of Maja.
In this sensory journey through Old Madrid, you taste the sweetness of freshly squeezed oranges from a nearby vendor, their tangy juice awakening your palate. You feel the soft touch of silk mantillas displayed in market stalls, their intricate lacework a testament to the artisanal craftsmanship that defines Spanish elegance. And as you breathe in deeply, the complex layers of Maja unfold—citrusy bergamot and geranium mingle with the warm spice of cloves and nutmeg, while the floral bouquet of jasmine, rose d'Orient, and orange blossom dances on your skin.
As the day fades into evening, you find yourself enchanted by the lingering traces of sandalwood and oakmoss that whisper of ancient traditions and timeless allure. Myrurgia's Maja perfume, with its classic spicy oriental composition, embodies the spirit of Old Madrid—a blend of history, passion, and the vibrant soul of Spanish culture captured in every drop.
Tortola Valencia:
Tórtola Valencia, born in 1882 in Seville, Spain, and passing away in 1955, was a celebrated Spanish dancer and actress. She was renowned for her captivating performances and distinctive style that blended various dance traditions, including Spanish, Oriental, and classical ballet. Her real name was Carmen Tórtola Valencia, but she was widely known by her stage name, Tórtola Valencia.
Valencia's career spanned the early to mid-20th century, a time when she gained international fame for her artistic versatility and expressive dance. She was a prominent figure in the cultural and artistic scenes of Europe and Latin America, performing in major cities and captivating audiences with her innovative choreography and dramatic presence. Her performances were characterized by elaborate costumes and a unique ability to convey deep emotion through movement, which made her a standout figure in the world of dance.
Tórtola Valencia's influence extended beyond the stage; she was a muse for many artists, writers, and intellectuals of her time. Her image and persona embodied the romantic and exotic ideals that were highly prized in the early 20th century. She was often depicted in art and literature, and her style had a significant impact on the aesthetics of the period.
The distinctive label of Maja’s perfumes and soap boxes, inspired by Tórtola Valencia, featured her likeness and was a tribute to her allure and artistic legacy. Her image on the packaging of Maja products reinforced the perfume's connection to Spanish passion and seduction, making it even more appealing to women seeking to embody these qualities. Valencia’s association with Maja enhanced the fragrance's romantic and exotic appeal, cementing its place in the cultural and artistic fabric of the time.
Bottles:
Maja by Myrurgia has been presented in various exquisite perfume bottles over the years, each contributing to the fragrance's allure and connection to Spanish culture. The packaging is an essential aspect of Maja's charm, with boxes covered in paper printed with the image of a Spanish shawl in red, gold, and black. These colors are traditionally associated with Spain and evoke the vibrant, passionate spirit of Spanish culture.
The earliest flacons of Maja were designed by the renowned glass designer Julien Viard. His designs were intricate and elegant, reflecting the sophistication of the perfume itself. Some of these early bottles featured tall figural stoppers shaped like a fountain, adding a distinctive and artistic element to the presentation. These stoppers not only enhanced the visual appeal of the bottles but also symbolized the flowing and sensual nature of the fragrance.
Viard's bottles came in different forms, with some made of clear crystal and others crafted from rare black crystal. The clear crystal flacons allowed the golden hue of the perfume to shine through, creating a sense of purity and luxury. In contrast, the black crystal bottles were luxuriously accented with black gilding, offering a dramatic and opulent presentation that stood out on any vanity. The use of black crystal was particularly rare and added an element of exclusivity to the perfume.
The packaging of Maja was as carefully considered as the bottles themselves. The boxes were adorned with the image of a Spanish shawl, a symbol of traditional Spanish attire and culture. The red, gold, and black colors of the shawl design were not only visually striking but also deeply symbolic. Red often represents passion and love, gold signifies wealth and opulence, and black adds a touch of mystery and elegance. Together, these colors encapsulated the essence of Maja—passionate, luxurious, and enigmatic.
Overall, the design of Maja's perfume bottles and packaging played a crucial role in its identity and appeal. The collaboration with Julien Viard and the use of traditional Spanish motifs in the packaging created a harmonious blend of art and culture. These elements not only enhanced the aesthetic value of the perfume but also reinforced its cultural and emotional connections, making Maja a timeless symbol of Spanish beauty and passion.
Product Line:
The Maja by Myrurgia fragrance line expanded significantly over the years, offering a variety of products that allowed fans to enjoy the signature scent in multiple forms. This diversification not only catered to different preferences and needs but also helped solidify Maja's place as a versatile and enduring brand in the world of perfumery.
The Parfum (Extracto) was the most concentrated and luxurious form of Maja's scent. It offered an intense and long-lasting fragrance experience, capturing the essence of Maja in its most refined state. This version was typically housed in the most elaborate bottles, often featuring intricate designs and high-quality materials, emphasizing the exclusivity of the product.
Eau de Toilette (Aqua de Tocador) and Parfum de Toilette provided lighter, more versatile versions of the fragrance. These variations were suitable for everyday wear, offering a balance between the intensity of the pure parfum and the subtlety of a cologne. Eau de Toilette was particularly popular for its refreshing and uplifting qualities, making it ideal for daytime use.
Cologne (Colonia) was a more diluted version of the scent, offering a lighter and more invigorating fragrance. It was perfect for those who preferred a subtler scent or wanted a refreshing splash after a shower. The cologne often came in larger bottles, emphasizing its role as a generous and everyday fragrance option.
Lotion (Locion), similar to an Eau de Toilette, offered a fragrant yet light experience. It was a practical and versatile product, allowing users to enjoy the signature Maja scent in a format that was ideal for daily use. The locion provided a refreshing touch and was suitable for those who wanted a lighter, more easily wearable version of the fragrance.
Maja also offered face powder (polvos) and talcum powder (talco), which were infused with the signature scent. These products provided a subtle way to enjoy the fragrance while offering practical benefits. The face powder added a hint of scent while helping to mattify and set makeup, and the talcum powder provided a light, fragrant touch to the skin, ideal for after bathing.
Shower gel and body lotion expanded the line into personal care, allowing users to incorporate the fragrance into their daily routines. The shower gel provided a fragrant cleansing experience, while the body lotion offered hydration with the added benefit of the beloved Maja scent. These products made it easy to enjoy the fragrance in a more intimate and immersive way.
Liquid hand soap and scented soap (jabon) rounded out the product line, ensuring that the delightful aroma of Maja could be experienced throughout the day. The liquid hand soap was a convenient and luxurious addition to any bathroom or kitchen, providing a fragrant cleansing experience. The scented soap, often beautifully packaged, offered a traditional and elegant way to incorporate the scent into daily hygiene routines.
Overall, the extensive product line of Maja by Myrurgia allowed users to immerse themselves in the fragrance in various ways. From the concentrated luxury of Pure Parfum to the everyday practicality of cologne and personal care products, Maja offered a comprehensive and versatile fragrance experience that catered to a wide range of preferences and needs. This diverse product line played a significant role in maintaining Maja's popularity and cultural significance over the years.
Eau de Cologne (Colonia):
The early Eau de Cologne (Colonia) bottles of Maja by Myrurgia were distinctive in their design and underwent several changes over time, reflecting the evolution of both style and functionality in perfume packaging. Initially, these bottles were tall and almost oval-shaped, presenting a sleek and elegant silhouette that complemented the fragrance inside. The bottles were crafted to showcase the clarity of the liquid and often featured glass stoppers, adding a touch of luxury and refinement to the presentation.
As trends and manufacturing techniques evolved, the stoppers of the Eau de Cologne bottles underwent transformations. Initially adorned with glass stoppers, which enhanced the aesthetic appeal and provided a secure seal for the fragrance, the design later shifted to black Bakelite stoppers. Bakelite, a durable and heat-resistant synthetic material popular in the early 20th century, offered a practical alternative while maintaining a sleek appearance.
In subsequent iterations, the stoppers were further updated to a different type of plastic, adapting to modern materials and manufacturing methods. These changes in stopper materials not only influenced the aesthetic appeal of the bottles but also enhanced their functionality and ease of use for consumers.
The Eau de Cologne (Colonia) was available in several sizes, catering to different preferences and usage needs. This range of sizes allowed consumers to choose between smaller bottles for travel or sampling purposes and larger ones for everyday use or as a luxurious addition to their vanity.
Overall, the early Eau de Cologne bottles of Maja by Myrurgia exemplify the brand's commitment to both aesthetic elegance and practical functionality. Through their evolving design and choice of materials for stoppers, these bottles not only preserved the integrity of the fragrance but also reflected the changing tastes and technological advancements of their time, ensuring that Maja's allure remained timeless and appealing to perfume enthusiasts.
Glass stoppers:
- 1/32 litre
- 1/16 litre -
- 1/8 litre -
- 1/4 litre -
- 1/2 litre - stands 9.75" tall (glass stopper)
- 1 litre
Bakelite Caps:
- 1/32 litre
- 1/16 litre - stands 4" tall (bakelite cap)
- 1/8 litre - stands 5.25" tall (bakelite cap)
- 1/4 litre - stands 7" tall (bakelite cap)
- 1/2 litre -
- 1 litre
Locion in the Maja product line, originally designed as a friction lotion to be applied to the skin, provided a luxurious and aromatic experience reminiscent of Old Madrid's vibrant charm. Unlike modern-day lotions, Locion served as an Eau de Toilette (toilet water), offering a lighter and refreshing fragrance. Housed in elegant glass bottles, these were tall, rectangular, and almost oval-shaped, echoing the design of Maja's Eau de Cologne (Colonia) counterparts. Adorned with black Bakelite screw caps or, alternatively, tall, narrow rectangular bottles with brass screw caps, Locion's packaging exuded a vintage allure that complemented its sophisticated blend of spices and floral notes.
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1/2 oz - stands 3.5" tall
Talcum Powder (Talco):
The talcum powder in the Maja product line was elegantly presented in a shaker top tin adorned with colorful graphics that harmonized with the overall packaging aesthetic of the brand. The tin itself was designed not only for practicality but also to enhance the visual appeal of the product. Covered in vibrant and intricate graphics, the tin captured the essence of Maja's allure, reflecting its Spanish heritage and the rich cultural motifs associated with the fragrance. The shaker top allowed for easy application, dispersing the fragrant powder lightly and evenly, imparting a subtle yet lasting scent that complemented the entire Maja experience. This attention to detail in packaging underscored Maja's commitment to blending functionality with artistic elegance, making the talcum powder a cherished part of the fragrance line for discerning enthusiasts.
Face Powder & Compacts:
The face powder (polvo) in the Maja product line was available in two distinct types of packaging, each designed to enhance the application and aesthetic appeal of the product. One option was a round cardboard box, while the other was presented in compacts, catering to different preferences and practical needs.
The round cardboard box housing the face powder exemplified Maja's attention to traditional elegance and craftsmanship. Adorned with colorful and intricate designs that echoed the brand's Spanish heritage, these boxes added a touch of vintage charm to any dressing table or vanity. The round shape not only facilitated easy storage but also ensured that the powder inside remained protected and pristine.
Alternatively, Maja also offered the face powder in compacts, which provided a more portable and convenient option for users on the go. These compacts featured durable and stylish casings, and embellished with motifs that complemented the overall packaging theme of the Maja line. The compact design allowed for effortless application, with a built-in mirror for quick touch-ups throughout the day.
Both the round cardboard boxes and compacts maintained the high standards of quality and aesthetic refinement that characterized the Maja brand. Whether housed in the nostalgic charm of a round cardboard box or the practical elegance of a compact, the face powder enriched the Maja experience with its luxurious texture and subtle fragrance, reflecting a blend of tradition and modernity that appealed to discerning users.
Rouge Maja:
Lipstick.
Cream Maja:
A face cream in glass boxes. "This is a cream of superlative degree of purity in the creation of which Myrurgia has drawn largely upon ancient cosmetic formulas of Arab tradition elaborated according to the most up-to-date methods of chemistry. Its scent is exquisite; its effect on the skin constitutes a marvel of dermatology, the receptacle that contains it is an ornament for the boudoir."
Brilliantine:
Solid brilliantine, a hair grooming pomade, was housed in black glass pots with screw on lids. Liquid brilliantine was contained in glass bottles with screw caps.
Shampoo Powder:
Soaps (Jabon):
Today, I use the scented Maja soaps, rich in lather and olive oil, they have a very soft, subtle scent that lingers on the skin hours after bathing.
Fate of the Fragrance:
In 1960, a new version of Maja emerged onto the market, appropriately named Nueva Maja (New Maja). This updated fragrance offered a fresh take on the classic Maja scent, introducing subtle variations while maintaining the essence that had captivated generations. Over the years, however, Nueva Maja was discontinued, becoming a rare find cherished by collectors and aficionados of vintage perfumes.
Despite the discontinuation of Nueva Maja, the original Maja fragrance continues to be available in various forms, ensuring that its timeless allure can still be experienced. However, finding the original fragrance in its authentic vintage form can be a rewarding pursuit, as it has undergone several reformulations throughout its history. Each formulation retains elements of the signature Maja scent, but vintage versions often carry nuances and complexities that perfume enthusiasts appreciate for their historical and olfactory richness.
Maja's enduring presence in the perfume market speaks to its lasting appeal and cultural significance. While Nueva Maja may no longer grace perfume counters, the legacy of Maja persists through its various formulations and products, offering a touch of Spanish elegance and allure to those who seek its distinctive fragrance.
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