In 1921, the time period when "Shogum" by Babani was launched, Japan held a particular fascination in Western culture. This was an era marked by growing interest in Eastern exoticism and aesthetics, influenced by the popularity of novels like James Clavell's "Shogun," which portrayed Japan's feudal past to Western audiences. The name "Shogum" itself derives from the Japanese term "Shogun" (将軍), which means "general" or "military commander." It represents a historical title of great significance in Japanese feudal history, referring to the supreme military leader during the feudal era.
Babani's choice of the name "Shogum" for a perfume was likely inspired by this cultural intrigue surrounding Japan at the time. The decision to spell it as "Shogum" rather than "Shogun" might have been for stylistic or trademark reasons, or possibly to differentiate it from the direct historical term.
For consumers of the time, a perfume named "Shogum" would evoke images of Japan's rich cultural heritage: samurai warriors, delicate cherry blossoms, serene gardens, and perhaps the allure of mysterious and elegant Japanese women. Emotionally, it could evoke a sense of exoticism, sophistication, and a touch of the unknown, appealing to those fascinated by distant cultures and seeking to capture their essence through fragrance.
