[CATALOGUE OF PERFUMES AND COSMETIC PRODUCTS]. J.G. Mouson & Cie. Parfumerien & Toiletteseifen. Frankfurt, [1898].
Folio [430 x 310 mm] of (1) title-page, xii pp., 106 pp. Bound in burgundy quarter-shagreen, green bookbinder’s cloth, name of the company stamped in the center of the upper cover, flat spine. 19th century binding.
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Superb catalogue from the end of the 19th century, presenting the collection of perfumes and cosmetic products offered for sale by the German house Mouson. Rare testimony of the richness and luxury of the merchandise produced in this field in the 19th century, it was used as a sale catalogue by this German merchant.
This unique compilation presents more than 755 cosmetics such as numerous soaps, perfumes, oils for hair, flower oils, brilliantine, various unguents, hair lotions, scent extracts, lavender and Cologne waters, eau de toilette, toothpastes, face powders, beard creams…
Founded in 1798, the firm Mouson & Cie was one of the most important in its sector, with a catalogue offering more than 700 various products in 1898. Johann Georg Mouson’s firm developed progressively until it became known worldwide in the 19th century with branches in Paris and London. During the World’s fairs of 1862 in London, 1873 in Vienna, 1879 in Sydney and above all 1900 in Paris, soaps and perfumes from Mouson’s house were always exposed. Its soaps with exotic smells (from those smelling of violet or white lilac, to those influenced by the Japanese fashion such as the Mikado or the Kananga) were very famous. Another of their best sellers was their lavender water. In the XIXth century, the catalogues of this company distinguished themselves by a multiplicity of the most diverse products.
In this catalogue, dated 1898, more than 700 items are mentioned. The choice goes from simple cheap soaps to fine or medical soaps or even to exotic perfumes. It is also interesting to notice that the labels on the items presented are written in different languages in order to touch the largest clientele possible: notices are written in French, English, German … in order to be exported throughout the entire world.
All of the 755 finely engraved samples have been colored at the time and most of them have been enhanced with gold.
A beautiful copy of this rare testimony of the craze for luxury cosmetics in the world at the end of the 19th century.
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