Fall in love with the perfume bottle again

How the past shapes the future of perfume bottle design, function and environmental impact.

The perfume bottle is rather unusual as a product packaging. It has accumulated many subtle associations and symbolism throughout history which masterfully influence customers’ innermost beliefs, values, and thoughts. Not many products can genuinely compete with that. Of course, its primary function is, and always has been, the protection of the perfume and a straightforward application of the scent on the skin, either via atomising pumps, roll-ons, brushes, sponges, glass or silver dabbers. However, as will be explored in this article, there is more to the perfume bottle than initially meets the eyes.

Ancient Egyptian perfume jars and vessels

In the past, perfume bottles were conversation-starting pieces and made to be on display. They were symbols of status and synonyms to wealth.

Some of the ancient Egyptian perfume vessels may, at first sight, seem relatively basic and plain. One would be forgiven for thinking that they were made purely for practical reasons to hold and protect cosmetics and perfumes. However, under closer inspection, it becomes clear that these vessels were incredibly costly and rare.

Author’s photo. From the top anticlockwise: 1. Carnelian, dolomite & gold sealed perfume vessels, 2nd Dynasty, ca. 2676–2649 BC, from Abydos, the tomb of Khasekhemui. 2. Alabaster pots of Neferwptah, 12th Dynasty, 1842–1798 BC, from Hawara. The small jars were used to preserve perfumes, unguents and cosmetics. 3. Limestone perfume vessel, 1st or 2nd Dynasty, ca. 2960–2649 BC, from Saqqara. 4. An example of a glass perfume vessel. All artefacts are from the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, Cairo, Egypt.