The Egyptians were the first to use perfume. They built a perfume room next to the temple. The perfume made with medicine and cinnamon was placed in a jar to cover the smell of the mummy. The origin of perfume bottle design can be traced back to 1500 BC, when glass products were still symbols of power and dignity. In ancient Greece and Rome, perfume bottles began to be used as personal pleasure items, which can be placed indoors. And many of them mimic humans, birds and other animals.
Until 50 BC, the glass blowing process was greatly improved in Syria. Transparent glass perfume bottles decorated with stained glass became the treasures of the upper-class ladies in Rome. At the same time, metal and enamel containers appeared in the perfume market.
In the 18th century, and oriental fragrances in ceramic bottles have become a trend. The fragile and difficult-to-transport characteristics of ceramics make these fragrances precious.
Among all the materials, glass is the most suitable for containing perfume. It will not cause any chemical interaction with the liquid to change the scent. Its bottle cap is denser, which is conducive to locking the scent. In the 20th century, the design of perfume bottles accelerated the frequency of trend changes. Perfume and glass bottles became women’s favorites.
In the first 10 years of the 20th century, Art Nouveau reached its peak, when the design of perfume bottles was full of whimsical ideas. The most commonly used form is the brocade flower. Perfume bottles of this period often used corks to store perfume like wine.
In 1907, the spray bottle was born. A balloon was attached to the outside of the bottle. When the balloon was pressed, the perfume liquid was atomized and sprayed out. In the 1920s, the First World War reduced the beauty industry in Europe and the United States became a major perfume manufacturer. The new perfume bottle design reflects the gorgeous beauty of Hollywood luxury. In Europe, the prevalence of decorative arts and the inspiration from urban life inspired designers.
The perfume bottles that came out after the 21st century are even more weird. It is difficult to find commonalities, but they are more and more innovative.