Maja by Myrurgia, the scent of seduction and Spanish passion. Maja was originally launched in 1921 is pronounced MA'-HA.
Fragrance Composition:
So what does it smell like? It is described as a classic spicy oriental fragrance for women
- Top notes: citrus notes, bergamot, geranium, carnation
- 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."
Tortola Valencia:
Bottles:
The perfume was presented in various perfume bottles over the years and the boxes covered in paper printed with the image of a Spanish shawl in red, gold and black, colors traditionally associated with Spain.
The earliest flacons were designed by Julien Viard and some had tall figural stoppers in the shape of a fountain. Some bottles were clear crystal and others came in a rare black crystal flacon luxuriously accented with black gilding.
Over the years, the fragrance of Maja could be found in Pure Parfum, Eau de Toilette, Parfum de Toilette, Cologne (Colonia), Locion, face powder, talcum powder, shower gel, body lotion, liquid hand soap, and scented soap (jabon).
The early Eau de Cologne bottles were tall, almost oval shaped and originally had glass stoppers, then this was changed to black Bakelite stoppers, before being changed to a different type of plastic stopper. The Eau de Cologne was available in several sizes:
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
The Locion, which is unlike what we think of lotion today, also came in glass bottles. These were tall, rectangular, and had black Bakelite screw caps.
- 1/2 oz - stands 3.5" tall
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 appeared on the market, aptly named Nueva Maja (New Maja). This fragrance has been discontinued for years. But Maja is still available for purchase in its many forms. The original fragrance of Maja is best to be found only in vintage form as it was reformulated several times over the years.
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