Launched in 1924, Lotus D'Or by Lentheric stands as a symbol of refined luxury and floral opulence, reflecting the aesthetic and cultural sensibilities of the early 20th century. The name "Lotus D'Or" is derived from the French language, with "Lotus" referring to the lotus flower, a symbol of purity and beauty, and "D'Or" meaning "of gold." Pronounced "lo tis door," the name evokes an image of a golden lotus, shimmering with elegance and grace. This imagery suggests a fragrance that is both precious and rare, offering a luxurious experience akin to the beauty of a lotus flower gilded in gold.
The word "Lotus D'Or" conjures emotions of serenity, sophistication, and timeless beauty. The lotus, revered in many cultures for its purity and resilience, growing pristine out of muddy waters, is paired with the idea of gold, a symbol of wealth and prestige. Together, these elements suggest a fragrance that embodies both natural beauty and luxurious refinement. It evokes visions of serene, golden-hued gardens, where the air is filled with the delicate scent of blooming flowers. This would be a scent that feels both uplifting and grounding, capturing the essence of a radiant, golden blossom in full bloom.
In terms of scent, "Lotus D'Or" would likely be interpreted as a fragrance that blends the freshness and purity of floral notes with a warm, rich undertone. The fragrance was described as "sweet and blossomy," with a "delicate, natural bouquet" that was both "gay and sophisticated." The combination of these descriptors suggests a perfume that was light and airy, yet deeply floral, with a complexity that hinted at the luxurious and golden quality implied by its name. The claim that the perfume was "composed of 112 floral fragrances" further emphasizes the richness and depth of this composition, making it a true celebration of nature's floral diversity.
Women of the 1920s, a time of significant cultural change and liberation, would have related to a perfume called "Lotus D'Or" as a statement of elegance and modernity. The 1920s, known as the Roaring Twenties, was an era of newfound freedom, where women embraced more daring fashions and lifestyles. A perfume with a name that evoked both natural beauty and golden luxury would have appealed to the sophisticated, modern woman of the time, who sought to express her individuality and refined taste through her choice of fragrance.
The launch of Lotus D'Or in 1924 placed it within a competitive landscape of perfumes, many of which were embracing the trend of complex, floral compositions. However, Lotus D'Or stood out with its emphasis on the sheer number of floral notes, suggesting an unparalleled depth and richness. While many fragrances of the era focused on single floral notes or simpler bouquets, Lotus D'Or offered a unique experience by blending a vast array of floral scents into a cohesive, harmonious whole. This made it both a part of the prevailing trend of floral perfumes and a standout example of the sophistication and complexity that defined Lentheric's approach to fragrance.
In summary, Lotus D'Or by Lentheric was more than just a perfume; it was a luxurious floral masterpiece that captured the essence of the 1920s. Its name, meaning "Lotus of Gold," evoked images of beauty, purity, and elegance, resonating with the women of its time as a symbol of their own modernity and sophistication. Launched in an era of floral abundance, it distinguished itself with its complex composition and refined character, making it a true icon of early 20th-century perfumery.
1925 ads
Fragrance Composition:
- Top notes: cassie, ylang ylang, orange blossom
- Middle notes: tuberose, heliotrope, violet, rose and jasmine
- Base notes: vanilla, clove, patchouli, civet, benzoin, linaloe wood
Scent Profile:
As I take in the first breath of Lotus d'Or, the top notes immediately introduce a blend that is both sweet and intoxicatingly floral. The cassie, with its delicate mimosa-like scent, imparts a fresh, powdery sweetness that is instantly uplifting. It is quickly joined by the lush and exotic ylang ylang, whose creamy and slightly spicy aroma adds a rich, sensual warmth.
The orange blossom, a classic in perfumery, wraps everything in a soft, honeyed veil, its bright and citrusy facets dancing lightly on the surface, promising the vibrant heart of the fragrance that is yet to come.
As the fragrance evolves, the middle notes reveal themselves, blooming into a lush garden of intoxicating florals. The tuberose takes center stage, its heady and creamy aroma filling the air with an almost narcotic richness. There is a sensuality to tuberose, a deep, almost buttery quality that is both overwhelming and mesmerizing. This richness is tempered by the heliotrope, whose almond-like, slightly powdery scent adds a soft, sweetly vanilla nuance to the composition.
The violet introduces a delicate, powdery freshness that gently caresses the senses, creating a tender contrast to the intensity of the tuberose. The rose in Lotus d'Or is lush and velvety, exuding a timeless elegance that is both romantic and sophisticated, while the jasmine adds a touch of exotic, creamy sweetness, its scent rich with hints of indolic warmth and a slight green undertone that keeps the bouquet feeling fresh and alive.
As the fragrance settles into its base, a deep, resonant warmth emerges, grounding the floral opulence of Lotus d'Or. The vanilla is smooth and comforting, its sweet, creamy character infusing the scent with a gentle warmth that lingers on the skin. The clove adds a subtle spiciness, its warm, slightly woody aroma giving depth and complexity to the fragrance. The patchouli is earthy and slightly woody, its rich, dark scent weaving through the composition, anchoring the florals with a touch of the exotic.
There is a hint of animalic sensuality brought by the civet, a note that adds a soft, warm muskiness, enhancing the perfume’s overall sophistication. The benzoin contributes a resinous, balsamic sweetness, slightly smoky and vanilla-like, which perfectly complements the earlier notes of vanilla and heliotrope. Finally, the linaloe wood imparts a smooth, woody finish, its softly aromatic character providing a delicate, lingering base that ties all the elements together in a harmonious blend.
The overall experience of Lotus d'Or is one of complexity and elegance, a true floral symphony where each note plays its part in creating a fragrance that is both sweet and blossomy, gay and sophisticated. The composition, with its "delicate, natural bouquet," manages to evoke a sense of timeless beauty and feminine allure, while the sheer number of floral elements gives it an unparalleled richness. It is a fragrance that invites you to lose yourself in its intricate layers, each sniff revealing another facet of its golden, floral heart.
Product Line:
The Lotus D'Or product line by Lentheric was an extensive collection that allowed women to immerse themselves fully in the luxurious scent of this iconic fragrance, extending its allure beyond just perfume. Each product in the line was crafted to deliver the delicate, sophisticated essence of Lotus D'Or, enabling a complete and cohesive fragrance experience.
At the heart of the collection was the Parfum, also known as the perfume extract. This was the most concentrated and luxurious form of Lotus D'Or, offering the purest expression of its rich, floral notes. The parfum was designed for those who sought an enduring scent experience, with just a few drops leaving a lasting impression throughout the day or evening. The perfume extract was the epitome of elegance, often housed in exquisite flacons that reflected the refinement and prestige of the fragrance.
For those desiring a more accessible option that still provided a longer-lasting scent than traditional eau de toilette, Lentheric offered the Bouquet Lotus D'Or. This eau de parfum variant was less concentrated than the extract but still rich and enduring. It allowed women to enjoy the same sophisticated fragrance at a lower price point, making the elegance of Lotus D'Or available to a wider audience. The bouquet was perfect for daily wear, offering a balance between luxury and practicality.
To complement the parfum and bouquet, Lentheric extended the Lotus D'Or experience into a range of body and beauty products. The Dusting Powder was a popular choice, providing a light, fragrant veil over the skin after bathing. It left a subtle, lasting scent while giving the skin a soft, silky finish. Similarly, the Powder Sachet was designed to be tucked into lingerie drawers or closets, infusing garments and linens with the delicate aroma of Lotus D'Or, ensuring the scent lingered in one's personal spaces.
The Talc was another essential item in the collection, offering a practical yet luxurious way to maintain freshness throughout the day. Lightly fragranced with Lotus D'Or, the talc was ideal for keeping the skin dry and comfortable while enveloping the wearer in the perfume's signature scent.
For those who cherished the ritual of a fragrant bath, Bath Salts infused with Lotus D'Or were available, transforming an ordinary bath into a luxurious, aromatic experience. These salts dissolved in water, releasing the floral and golden notes of Lotus D'Or, creating a soothing and indulgent atmosphere.
Completing the collection were the Face Powder and Compacts, which allowed women to incorporate the fragrance into their daily beauty routines. The face powder, lightly scented with Lotus D'Or, provided a flawless finish while ensuring that the wearer’s complexion was subtly perfumed. The compacts, often beautifully designed, were not just functional items but also stylish accessories that added a touch of elegance to any handbag or vanity.
The Lotus D'Or product line was meticulously curated to allow women to surround themselves with this enchanting fragrance from head to toe, day and night. Whether through the concentrated allure of the parfum, the practicality of the bouquet, or the luxurious body products, Lentheric ensured that the essence of Lotus D'Or could be experienced in every facet of a woman's life, making it a true staple of early 20th-century luxury and sophistication.
Bottles:
The frosted glass bottle designed for Lotus d'Or Parfum is a stunning example of early 20th-century craftsmanship, exuding both elegance and understated luxury. Squat and disk-shaped, the bottle's design emphasizes a sense of balance and harmony, with its rounded form fitting comfortably in the palm. The frosted glass gives the bottle a soft, ethereal quality, as if it were gently enveloped in a delicate mist, which perfectly complements the sweet, floral nature of the fragrance it contains.
Encircling the bottle is a meticulously molded floral frieze that adds a touch of intricate artistry to its otherwise simple silhouette. The floral motif, with its delicate blooms and flowing lines, echoes the richness of the scent within, suggesting a garden in full bloom. This frieze serves as both a decorative element and a symbolic representation of the fragrance's complex bouquet, subtly hinting at the layers of floral notes that await inside.
Crowning the bottle is a frosted stopper, also molded with a floral design, which completes the cohesive botanical theme. The stopper, shaped like a delicate flower, adds a tactile contrast to the smooth frosted surface of the bottle itself. Its design is both functional and ornamental, making it not just a closure but a continuation of the bottle's overall aesthetic. The frosted finish of the stopper enhances its delicate appearance, giving it a soft, almost velvety texture that invites touch.
The bottle is housed in a black and gold box, a packaging choice that underscores the luxurious nature of the perfume. The stark contrast of the black box against the golden accents creates a sense of drama and sophistication, making the unboxing of the perfume an experience in itself. The box's design further elevates the presentation, transforming the bottle into a cherished object of beauty and desire.
Interestingly, this particular bottle design was also used for another Lentheric fragrance, Au Fil de L'Eau, but with a green glass stopper instead of the frosted one used for Lotus d'Or. This variation highlights the versatility of the design, which could be adapted to suit different fragrances while maintaining its timeless elegance.
Standing at just 2.75 inches tall, the bottle may be small, but its presence is undeniably impactful. It is a perfect embodiment of the luxurious and sophisticated aura that Lotus d'Or sought to convey, capturing the essence of the fragrance in a design that is both visually appealing and deeply evocative.
The Standard Lotus d'Or Stepped Flacon for Parfum is a striking example of Art Deco-inspired design, embodying the elegance and modernity that characterized the era. The bottle's unique structure, composed of clear glass and stacked cubes, creates a stepped shape that is both visually captivating and structurally refined. Each cube is perfectly proportioned, creating a sense of balance and symmetry that draws the eye along the vertical axis of the bottle. This design choice gives the flacon a sense of solidity and presence, making it an ideal vessel for the luxurious perfume it contains.
The clear glass of the bottle allows the fragrance within to catch and reflect the light, adding a touch of luminosity that enhances the overall aesthetic. The stepped cubes, with their clean lines and geometric precision, evoke the architectural beauty of the period, reminiscent of the bold, streamlined designs that were popular in the 1920s and 1930s. The simplicity of the clear glass is offset by the boldness of the design, creating a harmonious blend of minimalism and luxury.
Topping the bottle is a black glass stopper, crafted in the same stepped cube design as the bottle itself. This continuation of the geometric theme creates a cohesive and unified look, while the contrast between the clear glass of the bottle and the deep, glossy black of the stopper adds a dramatic flair. The black stopper not only serves as a functional closure but also as a visual focal point, grounding the design with its rich, dark hue.
A silver foil label adorns the bottle, adding a touch of sophistication and subtle luxury. The label, with its reflective surface, contrasts beautifully against the clear glass, catching the light in a way that draws attention to the bottle's name and branding. The silver foil, combined with the stepped glass design, gives the flacon a refined and polished appearance, befitting a deluxe parfum like Lotus d'Or.
Available in two sizes, 2.75 inches and 3.5 inches tall, this flacon was designed to cater to different preferences and occasions. The smaller size is ideal for personal use or travel, while the larger version offers a more substantial presence, suitable for display on a vanity or dressing table. Both sizes maintain the same elegant design, ensuring that the essence of Lotus d'Or is captured and preserved in a bottle that is as timeless as the fragrance itself.
The Standard Lotus d'Or Stepped Flacon is more than just a perfume bottle; it is a work of art, embodying the luxurious and sophisticated spirit of the Lotus d'Or fragrance. Its distinctive design and careful attention to detail make it a true collector's item, cherished by those who appreciate the artistry of perfumery and the beauty of its presentation.
Czech Controlled Bubble Glass Flacons for Parfum:
The Czech Controlled Bubble Glass Flacons for Lentheric's Parfum line are exquisite examples of craftsmanship and artistic innovation from the 1930s. These bottles, made in Czechoslovakia in 1935, are distinguished by their controlled bubble design, a technique that involves carefully capturing air bubbles within the glass during the blowing process. This intricate method results in a mesmerizing pattern of evenly spaced bubbles suspended within the glass, giving the bottles a unique and captivating texture that is both tactile and visually striking.
Each flacon is a work of art, with the controlled bubble design adding a layer of depth and complexity to the glass. The bubbles create a sense of movement and fluidity, as if the glass itself is alive with energy. This effect is particularly enchanting when light passes through the glass, illuminating the bubbles and creating a sparkling, almost magical appearance. The bottles are a testament to the skill and precision of the Czech glassmakers, who were renowned for their ability to combine traditional techniques with modern design sensibilities.
The flacons were produced in a variety of colors, each corresponding to a different fragrance by Lentheric. The choice of color for each perfume was carefully considered, enhancing the identity of each fragrance while adding to the overall allure of the bottle. For Lotus d'Or, the bottle is crafted in a softened rose hue, a delicate pink that perfectly captures the sweet and blossomy nature of the fragrance. The rose-colored glass is both feminine and sophisticated, evoking the essence of the floral notes contained within.
Other perfumes in the Lentheric line were housed in flacons of different colors, each carefully chosen to reflect the character of the fragrance. Miracle was presented in a vibrant cerulean blue, a color that suggests freshness and vitality. Le Pirate, Au Fil de L'Eau, and Foret Vierge shared a green flacon, symbolizing nature, adventure, and the freshness of the outdoors. Asphodele was housed in a mirror-clear flacon, emphasizing purity and clarity, while Tweed was presented in a soft champagne-colored glass, exuding elegance and sophistication. Finally, Numero Douze was offered in an amber flacon, a warm, golden hue that evokes richness and depth.
Standing 4 inches tall, these flacons are both substantial and refined, with their compact size making them ideal for personal use while still offering a significant visual impact. The controlled bubble design adds a layer of tactile interest, inviting the user to hold and admire the bottle as much as to enjoy the fragrance within. Each flacon is not just a container for perfume, but a collector's item in its own right, cherished for its beauty and craftsmanship.
The Czech Controlled Bubble Glass Flacons are a perfect marriage of form and function, with their innovative design and exquisite execution reflecting the luxurious and sophisticated nature of the Lentheric brand. Whether displayed on a vanity or held in the hand, these bottles offer a sensory experience that goes beyond the fragrance they contain, making them a true treasure for perfume lovers and collectors alike.
Bouquet Lentheric Bottles:
Also presented in the Bouquet Lentheric bottles during the 1930s-1950s.
Miscellaneous:
From a 1929 Lentheric catalog, Lotus D'Or was available in the following, with original prices:
Extract (boxed):
- No. 2580 - 1/2 oz - $4.00
- No. 1580 - 1 oz - $7.00
- No. 580 - 2 oz - $12.50
- No. 581 - 4 oz - $25.00
- No. 582 - 8 oz - $45.00
Toilet Water:
- No. 590 - 4 oz - $6.00
- No. 591 - 8 oz - $10.00
- No. 592 - 16 oz - $18.00
Face Powder Crystal Jar:
- No. 1501 - $10.00
- No. 107 - $2.50
Face Powder (with puff):
- No. 105 - $1.00
- Naturelle No. 1
- Naturelle No. 2
- Naturelle No. 3
- Rachel No. 1
- Rachel No. 2
- Summer Tan
- Ocre
- Ocre Rose
- Blanche
Talcum Powder
- No. 110 - 4 1/2 oz - $1.00
- Summer Tan
- White
Dusting Powder (with puff)
- No. 115 - $2.00
Bath Salts
- No. 120 - small - $1.50
- No. 121 - large - $2.50
Sachet:
- No. 140 - 1 oz - $2.00
Fate of the Fragrance:
Lotus d'Or, a fragrance by Lentheric, remained a beloved and enduring scent through the 1930s, despite its eventual discontinuation. The exact date when Lotus d'Or was officially discontinued is not well documented, but it was still actively sold as late as 1938. This enduring presence on the market attests to the fragrance’s continued popularity and the impact it had on its audience.
During its time, Lotus d'Or was celebrated for its sophisticated and sweet floral composition. Its vibrant and enchanting blend of floral notes, including cassie, ylang ylang, and orange blossom, alongside the complex heart of tuberose, heliotrope, and violet, made it a favorite among women who sought both elegance and charm in their perfumes. The fragrance's base notes of vanilla, clove, and patchouli added depth and warmth, contributing to its enduring appeal.
The fact that Lotus d'Or was still being sold in 1938 reflects its successful integration into the perfume market and its resonance with consumers. Even as new fragrances and trends emerged, Lotus d'Or managed to maintain its place as a cherished choice. Its continued availability suggests that it was not merely a fleeting trend but rather a fragrance that left a lasting impression on those who wore it.
The discontinuation of Lotus d'Or, while not precisely dated, marks the end of an era for this iconic perfume. Yet, its lasting presence into the late 1930s speaks to its significant role in the history of perfumery and its enduring influence on fragrance design. The perfume remains a testament to the artistry and sophistication that characterized Lentheric's offerings during that period, embodying the timeless elegance that defined the era.
Note: Please understand that this website is not affiliated with the Lentheric company in any way, it is only a reference page for collectors and those who have enjoyed the Lentheric fragrances.
The goal of this website is to show the present owners of the Lentheric company how much we miss the discontinued classics such as Lotus d'Or and hopefully, if they see that there is enough interest and demand, they will bring back the original formula of the perfume!
Please leave a comment below (for example: of why you liked the perfume, describe the scent, time period or age you wore it, who gave it to you or what occasion, any specific memories), who knows, perhaps someone from the company might see it.
No comments:
Post a Comment