Lance Carson
The history of perfume is a rich and fascinating one, with ancient civilisations such as the Greeks and Indus civilisation using fragrances for medicinal and cosmetic purposes. One of the oldest perfumes still in production today is 4711, a traditional German Eau de Cologne that has been produced since at least 1799. Other old perfumes still being made include Guerlain's Fougère Royale, which was first produced in 1853, and Acqua della Regina, which was first made in 1533. The House of Creed's English Leather is another example, with the company having been founded in 1760.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Acqua della Regina (also known as the Queen's Water) |
| Manufacturer | Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella |
| First Year Produced | 1533 |
| Place of Origin | Florence, Italy |
| Ingredients | Citrus, lavender, rosemary, and "oriental sweet herbs" |
| Intended For | Both men and women |
| Type of Perfume | One of the first alcohol-based perfumes in the world |
| Current Website | us.smnovella.com |
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What You'll Learn
- The world's oldest perfume manufacturer is German company, 'Johann Maria Farina'
- 'Acqua della Regina' was first made in 1533 as a wedding gift for Catherine de' Medici
- Fougère Royale was the first perfume to use an isolated synthetic version of coumarin
- Hungary Water dates back to the 14th century
- The House of Creed was founded in 1760 and their 'English Leather' is still in production
The world's oldest perfume manufacturer is German company, 'Johann Maria Farina'
The history of perfume is a rich and fascinating one, dating back thousands of years. One of the oldest perfumeries was discovered on the island of Cyprus, with evidence of an enormous factory that existed around 4,000 years ago during the Bronze Age. The ancient Greeks even knew that sunlight could negatively impact the quality of perfume over time and stored their fragrances in shaded upper rooms.
However, when it comes to the oldest perfume manufacturer still in existence, that title goes to the German company, Johann Maria Farina. Founded in 1709 by Giovanni Battista Farina in his adopted home of Cologne, the company has been creating fragrances for over three centuries. Giovanni's younger brother, Johann Maria Farina, joined the company in 1714 and developed a unique fragrance water, an "Aqua mirabilis" or "miracle water". This fresh scent differed from the heavy, expensive perfumes popular among the nobility at the time.
The Farina family has a long history of battling counterfeiters, imitators, and product pirates. Jean Marie Farina (1809-1880) spent decades fighting for legal trademark protection for the family business. In 1874, the first Trademark Protection Act was passed in Germany, coming into force the following year. Today, the company is still owned by the Farina family.
The original fragrance created by Johann Maria Farina is considered a luxury item and has been a favourite among royalty and celebrities. The light, citrus-based Eau de Cologne has been a pioneer in the world of perfumery, influencing the development of industrial property rights in Germany.
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'Acqua della Regina' was first made in 1533 as a wedding gift for Catherine de' Medici
The oldest perfume still being made is said to be Acqua della Regina, also known as Acqua di S.M. Novella or the Queen's Water. It was first made in 1533 as a wedding gift for Catherine de' Medici, who was leaving Florence for the French court to marry King Henry II of France (known in Italian as Enrico di Valois).
The perfume was commissioned by Catherine de' Medici from Renato Bianco, who was raised by the Santa Maria Novella Dominican friars. It is said to be one of the first alcohol-based perfumes in the world, with top notes of bright, fresh citrus, including Italian citruses, petitgrain, and neroli, as well as herbs such as rosemary and lavender. The fragrance is described as clean, light, fresh, and zesty, with a regal past but a pleasant, modern scent.
Acqua della Regina is produced by the Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, which is considered the oldest pharmacy or apothecary in the world, having been in existence since 1221. The Dominican friars who founded it originally had access to Santa Maria Inter Vineas, a small church outside Florence, where they cultivated herbs and plants to make medicines, ointments, and balms.
The history of perfume goes back even further than the creation of Acqua della Regina. Perfume and perfumery existed in the Indus civilization, which dates back to 3300 BCE to 1300 BCE. One of the earliest distillations of Ittar is mentioned in the Hindu Ayurvedic texts Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita. The Persian Muslim doctor and chemist Ibn Sina introduced the process of extracting oils from flowers by means of distillation, which is the most common procedure used today.
In terms of other long-standing perfumes, 4711 Eau de Cologne has been produced in Cologne since at least 1799, and Guerlain's Fougère Royale was first produced in 1853.
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Fougère Royale was the first perfume to use an isolated synthetic version of coumarin
The history of perfume is a rich and fascinating one, with ancient civilisations like the Greeks and Indus using fragrances in various ways. One of the oldest perfumes still being made today is Fougère Royale, which was first introduced in 1882 by Houbigant. Fougère Royale is significant because it was the first perfume to use an isolated synthetic version of coumarin, revolutionising the world of perfumery and establishing modern perfumery as we know it today.
Fougère Royale was created as an exclusive scent for Empress Eugénie, the wife of France's last monarch, Napoleon III. It was crafted to help alleviate her migraines, and only became available to the public with the Empress's express permission. This light fragrance features citrus notes of lemon verbena, bergamot, and neroli oil from the bitter orange tree, with subtle hints of rosemary and cedar.
Coumarin is an aromatic organic chemical compound, C9H6O2, found in many plants, including tonka beans, cinnamon, bison grass, and some green teas. It has a sweet scent reminiscent of freshly mown grass and hay, with a bitter taste. While coumarin is not entirely artificial, its synthetic version was first isolated by French chemist Nicholas Jean Baptiste Gaston Guibourt in 1820. However, it was not until 1868 that English chemist William Henry Perkin successfully synthesised coumarin.
The use of synthetic coumarin in Fougère Royale was groundbreaking because it established a new fragrance family. The "fougère" (French for "fern-like") family remains the most popular in men's fragrances, with brands such as Brut by Fabergé, Paco Rabanne, Azzaro, and Hugo Boss creating perfumes in this genre. The use of synthetic coumarin also marked the first time a synthetic aromachemical was used in perfumery, showcasing the innovative nature of Houbigant's creation.
Today, Fougère Royale continues to be a celebrated perfume, with master perfumers like Rodrigo Flores-Roux contributing to its contemporary iterations. The formula has been reworked to blend uplifting citrus oils with Mediterranean herbs, floral-spicy accords, rare rose essences, and earthy, ambery, and woody harmonies, all while retaining the signature coumarinic undertones of tonka beans.
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Hungary Water dates back to the 14th century
The history of perfume is a rich and fascinating one, dating back thousands of years. One of the oldest perfumes still in production today is Hungary Water, which dates back to the 14th century. While the exact origins of this scent are unknown, it is believed to be one of the oldest fragrances in the world, with a history spanning over seven centuries.
The creation of perfumes has a long and global history. The ancient Greeks discovered that applying fragrance to the inner wrists allowed the scent to linger longer on the skin due to the increase in body heat at pulse points. They also added perfume to wine for flavour and stored the fragrances in shaded upper rooms to protect them from sunlight and heat. The Indus civilization, which existed from 3300 BCE to 1300 BCE, also had a rich history of perfume use, as evidenced by the earliest distillation of Ittar mentioned in ancient Hindu Ayurvedic texts.
The Arabic philosopher al-Kindi, who lived from c. 801 to 873, wrote a book called 'Book of the Chemistry of Perfume and Distillations', which included over a hundred recipes for fragrant oils and aromatic waters, as well as equipment like the alembic, which still bears its Arabic name. The Persian Muslim doctor and chemist Ibn Sina, also known as Avicenna, introduced the process of extracting oils from flowers through distillation, a method that is still commonly used today.
In the modern era, one of the oldest perfumes still in production is 4711, a traditional German Eau de Cologne. The fragrance has been produced in Cologne since at least 1799, and the original store at Glockengasse 4 in Cologne is a popular tourist attraction. The term "Eau de Cologne" has become a generic name for light perfumes, but 4711 is allowed to call itself the "Original Eau de Cologne" to distinguish itself from the generic term.
Hungary Water, with its mysterious origins, stands as one of the oldest perfumes still in production, a testament to the enduring appeal of fragrances that have captivated humans for millennia.
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The House of Creed was founded in 1760 and their 'English Leather' is still in production
The House of Creed, one of the world's oldest privately-owned perfume houses, was established in 1760. Over two and a half centuries later, the brand is still synonymous with luxury and quality. Creed's longevity and continued success can be attributed to its commitment to tradition and craftsmanship, using time-honoured techniques and the finest ingredients to create its iconic fragrances.
English Leather, one of Creed's signature scents, has stood the test of time and is still in production today. This classic fragrance embodies the essence of traditional English elegance and sophistication. With its rich, warm, and woody aroma, English Leather has become a timeless favourite, beloved by generations of discerning men and women alike.
The creation of English Leather is a meticulous process, reflecting Creed's unwavering dedication to excellence. Skilled artisans carefully select and blend precious oils and ingredients, ensuring a consistent and exceptional fragrance. The result is a scent that is both refined and distinctive, capturing the essence of Creed's rich heritage and perfumery expertise.
The scent of English Leather unfolds in layers, revealing a complex and captivating olfactory experience. Bright and invigorating top notes of vibrant citrus and fresh lavender give way to heart notes of spicy clove and woody cedar, adding depth and warmth. The base notes of smooth leather, rich musk, and earthy oakmoss provide a solid foundation, giving the fragrance its enduring character and longevity.
English Leather's enduring popularity attests to its timeless appeal and versatility. Transcending trends and seasons, it suits both formal and casual occasions. The scent exudes refinement and sophistication, appealing to those who appreciate classic elegance. English Leather has become an iconic staple in perfumery, a true testament to the House of Creed's legacy and craftsmanship.
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Frequently asked questions
The oldest perfume still being made is 4711 Eau de Cologne, which has been produced in Cologne, Germany since at least 1799. It is allowed to use the geographical indication "Original Eau de Cologne" as it has been produced in the city of Cologne for over 200 years.
4711 is a unisex fragrance with notes of lemon, orange, lavender, rosemary, petitgrain, and neroli.
Other old perfumes still in production include English Leather by The House of Creed (founded in 1760), Acqua della Regina (first made in 1533), and Fougère Royale by Guerlain (first made in 1853).
