Daimo by Babani - Parfum Japonais c1921

In 1921, the launch of Daimo by Babani coincided with a period of growing fascination in Western culture with Japan, particularly its art, aesthetics, and gardens. This era marked the height of Japonisme, where Japanese influences permeated European and American art, fashion, and design. Japanese gardens, renowned for their serene beauty and meticulous design, symbolized tranquility, harmony with nature, and an escape from the rapid industrialization of the early 20th century.

The name "Daimo," which translates to "Great Lord" or "Great Name" in Japanese (大名), carries significant cultural connotations. Historically, "Daimyo" referred to powerful feudal lords in Japan during the feudal period, known for their wealth, influence, and refined tastes. By choosing this name, Babani aimed to evoke a sense of grandeur, sophistication, and perhaps an exotic allure associated with the mystique of Japan.

For Babani, "Daimo" would be a fitting name for a perfume as it suggests luxury, elegance, and an air of exclusivity. Perfumes often draw on cultural motifs and aspirations of the time, and in the 1920s, Japanese culture represented an idealized aesthetic of refinement and artistic sensibility in the West. A perfume named "Daimo" would appeal to individuals who admired Japanese artistry, gardens, and the serene beauty associated with the country.

Those who related to a perfume called "Daimo" would likely respond to it with a sense of intrigue and appreciation for its cultural references. The name itself conjures images of Japanese gardens with their meticulously raked gravel, serene ponds, and carefully pruned trees, evoking a feeling of tranquility and harmony. Emotionally, "Daimo" could evoke feelings of elegance, sophistication, and a longing for a world of artistic refinement and natural beauty.

In summary, Daimo by Babani, launched in 1921 as a "Parfum Japonaise," captured the zeitgeist of the era's fascination with Japanese culture and aesthetics. The name "Daimo" encapsulated notions of grandeur and sophistication, appealing to those who appreciated the allure of Japanese gardens and the serene beauty they represented.

"Daimo, Parfum Japonais; picturesque, theatrical, exquisitely unreal. Subtle and interesting - it adds a note of color and sophistication. Daimo is for those hours when imagination and desire whirl you away from facts and dullness. Daimo at once makes you think of Gloria Swanson. It is theatrical, imaginative, make-believe, as exotic and bizarre as her costumes."

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? There are no published notes on this composition, but it is described as "light and subtle" with "a bouquet of exotic blossoms", so I would assume that it may be a floral fragrance for women with possibly a soft oriental base. I would need a sample of the perfume to tell you what it really smells like.

• Top notes:
• Middle notes: flowers
• Base notes:

Bottles:

Daimo by Babani, presented in a disk-shaped bottle molded with concentric circles, epitomized elegance and artistry in its design. The bottle featured a unique aesthetic with its intricate concentric circle pattern, symbolizing harmony and balance—key elements often associated with Japanese gardens. Complementing this artistic bottle was a circular stopper adorned with a tapering concentric circular stepped design that culminated in a delicate point, adding a touch of refinement and grace. Housed in a luxurious red and gold box, the packaging echoed the richness and sophistication of the perfume within, promising a sensory journey akin to wandering through a tranquil Japanese garden filled with beauty and serenity.

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

Fate of the Fragrance:

Daimo by Babani, a fragrance that captured the essence of Japanese elegance and tranquility, unfortunately faced an uncertain fate when it was discontinued. The exact date of its discontinuation remains elusive, leaving behind a legacy of mystery and allure. Still sold in 1927. Despite its departure from the perfume market, Daimo's artistic bottle design and its evocative name continue to intrigue collectors and enthusiasts of vintage fragrances. Its discontinuation represents a loss of a fragrance that once embodied the serene beauty of Japanese gardens and the cultural fascination of its time, reminding us of the transient nature of perfumes in the ever-evolving world of fragrance trends.