Kai Sang by Corday, launched in 1924, emerged during a period marked by a significant fascination with Orientalism and exoticism in Western culture. The 1920s, known as the Roaring Twenties, were a time of substantial social and cultural change. Post-World War I, there was a collective desire for escapism and indulgence, leading to an embrace of exotic influences from Asia and the Middle East. The Art Deco movement, flourishing during this era, frequently incorporated motifs and aesthetics inspired by ancient Egypt, China, Japan, and India. This cultural trend extended to perfumery, where opulent oriental perfumes featuring rich, complex notes like ambergris, spices, incense, lush flowers, and precious woods became highly popular.
The name "Kai Sang" is believed to mean "To Be Triumphant" in Chinese. This name conveys a sense of victory, success, and exaltation, making it an appealing choice for a perfume. It suggests confidence and allure, aligning perfectly with the bold and luxurious character of oriental fragrances. The evocative and triumphant name would have attracted women seeking a scent that embodied strength, mystery, and exotic appeal.
Blanche Arvoy, the creator of Kai Sang, likely chose this name to capitalize on the contemporary fascination with Oriental themes. By using a name with an exotic sound and a triumphant meaning, she aimed to draw in customers intrigued by the luxurious and mysterious lifestyle associated with the Orient. The fact that "Kai Sang" was also the name of a thoroughbred horse in 1919 adds an element of elegance and prestige, further enhancing the perfume's luxurious image. Thoroughbred horses are often associated with nobility and high status, which complements the opulence suggested by the fragrance.
Women of the 1920s were increasingly breaking away from traditional roles and embracing new freedoms in fashion and personal expression. A perfume named "Kai Sang," with its connotations of triumph and exoticism, would resonate with the modern woman of the time, who sought to express her independence and sophistication. The rich, opulent notes of oriental perfumes were popular because they offered a sense of escape and indulgence. Influenced by the trends of Orientalism, women in the 1920s would likely find a perfume like Kai Sang appealing both for its luxurious scent and its evocative name.
In summary, Kai Sang by Corday perfectly encapsulates the era's fascination with Orientalism and exotic luxury. Its name, meaning "To Be Triumphant" in Chinese, would have resonated with the period's themes of empowerment and allure. Blanche Arvoy's choice of this name likely aimed to attract the modern, sophisticated women of the time who were drawn to the opulence and mystery of oriental perfumes.
Fragrance Composition:
So what does it smell like? It is classified as a floral oriental fragrance for women.
- Top notes: geranium, citrus accord (neroli, bergamot, lemon peel)
- Middle notes: cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, tuberose, carnation, gardenia, rose, jasmine
- Base notes: incense, myrrh, castoreum, tobacco, sandalwood, ambergris, vanilla, patchouli, musk, civet, vetiver, labdanum
Scent Profile:
Imagine walking through the majestic halls of the Forbidden City in ancient China, a place steeped in history and opulence. As you enter this grand imperial palace, the air is filled with an exotic and intoxicating blend of scents that transport you to a world of luxury and mystery.
The first thing you notice is the rich aroma of incense wafting through the air, reminiscent of the base notes of Kai Sang by Corday. The smoky, mystical scent of incense mingles with the sweet, resinous myrrh, creating an ambiance of spiritual reverence and ancient rituals. As you move deeper into the palace, the warm, spicy notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves evoke the heart of the fragrance, blending seamlessly with the delicate, heady florals of tuberose, gardenia, rose, and jasmine, which seem to bloom from the palace gardens and ornate flower arrangements.
Your eyes are drawn to the vibrant, intricate designs of the Forbidden City's architecture. The golden roofs gleam under the sun, and the walls are adorned with exquisite paintings and carvings. The vibrant colors of the citrus accord in Kai Sang—neroli, bergamot, and lemon peel—are mirrored in the rich, vivid hues of the palace decorations and the lush, meticulously maintained gardens. Everywhere you look, there are symbols of power and triumph, much like the name "Kai Sang" itself, which means "To Be Triumphant" in Chinese.
The sounds of the Forbidden City are a symphony of cultural richness. You hear the soft rustle of silk garments as courtiers move gracefully through the halls, their movements accompanied by the gentle chime of delicate porcelain wind bells. The harmonious strains of traditional Chinese music, played on instruments like the guzheng and pipa, float through the air, creating an atmosphere of serene elegance and timeless beauty.
As you wander through the palace, you are offered a taste of exotic and sumptuous delights. You sample sweet and spicy delicacies, such as honey-glazed pastries infused with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg, mirroring the spicy middle notes of the perfume. The flavors are rich and complex, much like the fragrance itself, providing a sensory experience that is both indulgent and unforgettable.
Your fingers brush against the smooth, cool surfaces of intricately carved jade and lacquered wood. The textures are luxurious and refined, evoking the creamy, sensual base notes of sandalwood, ambergris, and vanilla in Kai Sang. You feel the soft, delicate petals of the flowers that adorn the palace, their velvety touch reminiscent of the lush floral heart of the fragrance.
In this setting, Kai Sang by Corday perfectly encapsulates the essence of the Forbidden City—an opulent blend of rich spices, lush florals, and exotic resins that evoke a sense of triumph and luxury. The fragrance transports you to a world where every sense is indulged, and the air is filled with the magic and mystique of ancient China.
Bottles:
The deluxe parfum bottle of Kai Sang by Corday embodies the epitome of luxury and craftsmanship, encapsulating the essence of its opulent fragrance in its design. Crafted from opaque black glass, the bottle exudes a sense of mystery and sophistication. The surface is adorned with intricate enameled decorations, meticulously applied in red, white, and gold. These colors, symbolic of prosperity and auspiciousness in Chinese culture, enhance the bottle's visual appeal, drawing inspiration from the exotic allure of the Orient that influenced the perfume's creation.
The design of the bottle, attributed to Maurice Depinoix and executed by C. Depinoix et Fils, reflects a harmonious fusion of artistic flair and technical skill. Maurice Depinoix, known for his elegant and innovative designs in perfumery packaging, ensured that every detail of the bottle resonated with the fragrance's theme of triumph and luxury. The enameled decorations, with their intricate patterns and vibrant colors, add a tactile and visual richness to the bottle, elevating it beyond mere packaging to a work of art in its own right.
Available in two sizes, the parfum bottle of Kai Sang offers options to suit different preferences and needs. The smaller size measures 3 inches in diameter and 1.5 inches in height, while the larger size measures 3.25 inches in diameter and 2.75 inches in height. Both sizes maintain the same exquisite design and craftsmanship, ensuring that each bottle is a precious and distinctive piece that enhances the overall sensory experience of using Kai Sang.
In summary, the deluxe parfum bottle of Kai Sang by Corday is a testament to the era's fascination with luxury and exoticism. From its opaque black glass to the meticulously crafted enameled decorations in red, white, and gold, every aspect of the bottle reflects the fragrance's opulent character and the cultural influences that inspired it. Designed by Maurice Depinoix and produced by C. Depinoix et Fils, the bottle exemplifies the fusion of artistry and functionality, serving not only as a container for perfume but also as a symbol of elegance and prestige.
The non-deluxe bottle of Kai Sang by Corday contrasts with its deluxe counterpart in its design and material, yet still embodies the essence of the Art Deco era with its own distinctive style. Crafted from colorless molded glass, this bottle reflects the sleek and geometric aesthetics characteristic of Art Deco design. The simplicity of the glass allows the perfume's rich amber and floral notes to take center stage, emphasizing purity and clarity.
In the Art Deco style, the bottle likely features clean lines, angular shapes, and minimal embellishments, focusing on modernity and sophistication. This design approach was prevalent in the 1920s and 1930s, aligning perfectly with the cultural and artistic trends of the time when Kai Sang was launched. The non-deluxe bottle would have appealed to those who appreciated the elegance and simplicity of Art Deco design, offering a more understated yet still elegant option.
Compared to the deluxe version with its opaque black glass and enameled decorations, the non-deluxe bottle of colorless molded glass presents a more straightforward and modern aesthetic. Its emphasis on form and functionality underscores its practicality while maintaining a sense of sophistication that resonates with the era's spirit. Despite its simpler design, the non-deluxe bottle of Kai Sang remains a testament to the period's penchant for elegance and its enduring influence on perfumery packaging.
In the 1950s, miniature perfumes in tapered cylindrical shapes with white plastic screw caps were popular items, particularly in sets of assorted Corday perfumes. These miniature bottles were designed to offer a convenient and portable version of the fragrances that Corday offered, catering to consumers who appreciated both the aesthetics and the practicality of smaller-sized perfumes.
The tapered cylindrical shape of these miniature bottles would have been typical of the mid-20th century packaging design, reflecting the streamlined and modern aesthetic of the era. This design choice not only made the bottles easy to handle and store but also aligned with the contemporary trends in packaging and consumer goods.
The white plastic screw caps were functional and durable, ensuring a tight seal to preserve the fragrance inside. While perhaps less ornate than their full-sized counterparts, these caps were emblematic of the period's use of modern materials and production techniques, which emphasized functionality without sacrificing style.
These miniature perfume bottles were often sold in sets that included various fragrances from the Corday line. This approach allowed consumers to sample different scents or to collect a curated selection of their favorite perfumes in a more compact format. Such sets were popular gifts and collectors' items, appealing to both perfume enthusiasts and those who appreciated the charm of vintage packaging.
Overall, these miniature tapered cylindrical bottles with white plastic screw caps exemplify the practical elegance and consumer-oriented approach that characterized Corday's offerings during the 1950s. They remain a nostalgic reminder of an era when perfumes were not only about fragrance but also about the artistry and craftsmanship of their packaging.
Fate of the Fragrance:
Kai Sang by Corday, despite being discontinued at some point, continued to be available for purchase in the 1950s, as indicated by its production in miniature bottles. These miniature versions were part of assorted Corday perfume sets, offering consumers a compact and portable option to enjoy the fragrance.
The fact that Kai Sang was still being sold in the 1950s suggests that it retained popularity and recognition among perfume enthusiasts. The miniature bottles, typically in tapered cylindrical shapes with white plastic screw caps, were consistent with the packaging trends of the time, reflecting both practicality and aesthetic appeal.
The decision to produce Kai Sang in miniature form alongside other Corday perfumes indicates a continued demand for the fragrance during the mid-20th century. It also underscores Corday's strategy to offer various sizes and packaging options to cater to different consumer preferences and market segments.
While specific details about the discontinuation date of Kai Sang are unclear, its availability in miniature bottles during the 1950s provides a glimpse into its enduring appeal and the legacy it left in the world of perfumery. Today, Kai Sang remains a cherished memory for those who appreciate its unique blend and historical significance in fragrance history.
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