The Flacon Persane, introduced around 1900, is one of Guerlain’s most exceptional and rarest bottles. Created by Pochet et du Courval, it was originally conceived as the standard container for Guerlain’s hair lotions, though it was later also employed for certain eaux de cologne. Its design was inspired by a 17th-century Persian perfume flacon preserved in the Guerlain family collection, embodying the fascination with Orientalist motifs that influenced much of European decorative arts at the turn of the century.
The bottle features refined rumen cutting and a long, ringed neck, lending it both elegance and a sense of historical authenticity. Its flat-cut stopper was designed to echo the simplicity and restraint of antique vessels, balancing the elaborate neck treatment with clean, functional lines. The detailing reinforced Guerlain’s intention to link the bottle with an exotic past, while still presenting it as a luxurious modern object.
In terms of markings, the Flacon Persane carries several distinctive engravings: “Depose” is inscribed on the bottom front, the “HP” monogram for Pochet appears on the opposite side, and “Guerlain Paris” is engraved beneath the base. These features confirmed both its authenticity and its place within Guerlain’s prestigious production line. Pochet et du Courval produced only a single mould of this flacon, in the generous 250 ml size, emphasizing its specialized use rather than mass distribution.
The labeling system for the bottle was equally considered. Two labels accompanied each presentation: one affixed to the back identifying it as “lotion pour les cheveux,” and a second, more prominent label on the front displaying the name of the lotion’s perfume. This dual-label approach reflected Guerlain’s combination of practicality with refinement, ensuring that both the product type and its luxurious scent were immediately clear to the consumer.
Today, surviving examples of the Flacon Persane are exceedingly rare, highly prized by collectors for their craftsmanship, historic inspiration, and place in Guerlain’s lineage of early 20th-century flacons. Would you like me to also expand on how this bottle fits into Guerlain’s broader Orientalist design influences of the period?
Sizes:
Pochet et du Courval created one mould:
- Mould #12088 = 250cc - 21 cm tall.
Bottles:
Scents:
- Ai Loe
- Apres L'Ondee
- Bon Vieux Temps
- Cananga
- Fleurs de Guildo
- Jardin du Roi
- Jicky
- Pao Rosa
- Rex
- Rue de la Paix
- Vere Novo
