Ming by Babani c1919

In 1919, the launch of the perfume "Ming" by Babani occurred against the backdrop of fascination with exotic cultures and the allure of distant lands. The name "Ming" in Chinese translates to "bright" or "shining" in English, carrying connotations of radiance, elegance, and sophistication. Babani likely chose this name to evoke the splendor and richness associated with the Ming dynasty of ancient China, renowned for its cultural achievements and grandeur.

For perfume marketing in the early 20th century, the name "Ming" would have been captivating. It conjures images of serene Ming gardens with their meticulously designed landscapes, tranquil ponds, and delicate floral scents. Emotionally, "Ming" suggests a sense of refinement, harmony, and timeless beauty, appealing to those seeking escapism and luxury in their fragrances.

The subtitle "breath of Old China" further enhances its allure, promising wearers a sensory journey to a bygone era of elegance and grace. Described as youthful, zesty, gay, and sparkling, the perfume "Ming" would have appealed to individuals embracing the vibrancy and optimism of the post-war period, where a desire for joyous and refreshing scents prevailed.

Those who related to a perfume named "Ming" would likely have been drawn to its promise of exoticism and sophistication, envisioning themselves transported to a realm of ancient beauty and cultural richness. The name itself, "Ming," would evoke imagery of ornate temples, silk robes, blossoming gardens, and the tranquility of traditional Chinese aesthetics, resonating deeply with admirers of Eastern mystique and timeless elegance.

Ming, a perfume of Old China, of a dynasty rich and cultured. Beauty of race is in Ming, the art of living gracefully and magnificently. As subtle and elusive as dancing moonbeams on the leaves. Ming has an elfin sweetness like the charm of girlhood; cool, untouched. The fragrance is as spirited and chic as a Paris frock. Use Ming, therefore, so intensify your moods of innocence, playfulness and youth. Ming is delightfully youthful, a fragrance sprightly and gay as spring. But spring is sometimes tinged with chill, and youth today is spiced with sophistication - so Ming sparkles with interest and a hint of depth. Ming should be used with morning things, crisp linens, young ginghams or cunning tailleurs. Ming is young, but wise!  

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? There are no published notes on this composition, but it is described as 'delicate", "very fresh" and "youthful, sparkling, gay and playful", and will give "zest" to your costumes and "enliven" other Babani perfumes, so I would assume that it may be an aldehydic citrus floral fragrance for women. I would need a sample of the perfume to tell you what it really smells like.

• Top notes: aldehydes, citrus
• Middle notes: flowers
• Base notes:

In the refined tradition of European perfume usage, Babani offers a delightful invitation to create bespoke olfactory experiences through the art of blending. These fragrances are designed not merely to be worn, but to be crafted into a personal perfume formula that reflects the wearer's unique personality and mood. By combining two or more Babani perfumes, one can create a new fragrance that defies imitation, emphasizing the wearer's intriguing complexity.

Each Babani perfume harmonizes effortlessly with the others, allowing for endless possibilities in scent composition. Ming, with its youthful charm and subtle sophistication, is recommended as a vibrant addition to other Babani fragrances, adding a lively touch that enhances their character.

For blondes, the suggestion to blend Ming with Jasmin de Coree promises a harmonious fusion of floral notes, creating a fragrance that is both fresh and alluring. This blend not only amplifies the individual scents but also adapts gracefully to the wearer's changing moods and outfits, ensuring a fragrance that remains uniquely and unmistakably theirs.

Arizona Republic, 1924:

"Babani's Ming is delightfully youthful, a fragrance sprightly and gay as spring. But spring is sometimes tinged with chill, and youth today is spiced with sophistication - so Ming sparkles with interest and a hint of depth. Ming should be used with crisp morning things, young ginghams or cunning tailleurs. Ming is young, but wise! $2.75, $6.50."

Bottles:

In its earliest editions, Ming by Babani was presented in a selection of five distinctive bottles, each crafted to enhance the allure of the fragrance through elegant design. The original deluxe bottle, reminiscent of a Chinese snuff bottle, featured a square shape with truncated corners, crafted from clear glass. Its front and back panels were adorned with vibrant cinnabar red or jade green enamel, adding a touch of exotic elegance. The central area remained plain, save for a striking Chinese ideogram embellished in gold, lending a regal and cultural significance to the presentation.

The bottle was topped with a button-shaped glass stopper, ensuring a secure closure while adding to the bottle's aesthetic appeal. This design not only showcased the perfume within but also reflected the essence of Ming itself—youthful yet sophisticated, blending Eastern influence with Western elegance. 

Accompanying its exquisite bottle, Ming by Babani was elegantly packaged in a black satin box adorned with trimmings of red, green, and gold. This choice of packaging added to the luxurious presentation of the perfume, reflecting both its cultural inspiration and the opulence associated with fine fragrances of the time.

The black satin box not only provided a sophisticated backdrop for the bottle but also served to protect and enhance the allure of Ming. The pipings of red, green, and gold further emphasized the perfume's connection to its Chinese-inspired roots, echoing traditional colors symbolic of prosperity, vitality, and elegance.

Such attention to detail in packaging underscored Babani's dedication to offering a complete sensory experience, from the moment the perfume was unveiled to the visual and tactile pleasure of its presentation. This meticulous approach ensured that Ming not only delighted the senses with its fragrance but also captivated through its exquisite aesthetic appeal, appealing to those who appreciated both beauty and cultural significance in their choice of perfumes.

Harper's Bazaar, 1922:

"Ming: one of the most favored of Babani Perfumes, sprightly and gay, in a new bottle, appropriately gay in color. It is packed in a black satin box with pipings of red, green and gold. $15. The same perfume comes in other bottles , from $2.75 and up. Other sizes at $6.50, $9, and $9.50"

No. 1003. Our twelve extracts in an elegant gold box.

Later editions from 1938-1940, are clear glass with a more geometric shapes.

Drug & Cosmetic Industry, 1938:

“Ming” is one of the delightful odors of the newly packaged de luxe line of Babani perfumes, which is being introduced by Maurice Babani”

c1938 Ming bottle with crown top. photo by ebay seller izar

The New Yorker, 1941:

"Babani's Mon Amie Elizabeth toilet water, for years a great favorite in France, is now being made in this country, and awaits its public at Saks-Fifth Avenue. Lovers of Oriental scents might at the same time renew their acquaintance with Ming, also by Babani, lovely and light...."

c1940 version. Photo from photobucket

Fate of the Fragrance:

The perfume Ming by Babani, while its exact discontinuation date remains unknown, continued to be available for purchase as late as 1941. This longevity speaks to its enduring popularity and the timeless appeal it held among fragrance enthusiasts during its era. Despite eventually being discontinued, Ming's presence in the market until 1941 indicates its sustained relevance and the lasting impression it made on those who cherished its blend of youthful charm and cultural sophistication.