In 1945, Guerlain reintroduced a fragrance initially named "Kriss" under the name "Dawamesk," an evocative title drawn from a historically rich and sensorially indulgent source. The word "Dawamesk" originates from Arabic, and refers to a green paste or baked confection that was consumed in ancient Near Eastern and Arabic cultures. This mixture, often described as a 'cannabis jam,' combined hashish with an array of luxurious ingredients like honey, butter, spices, and rose essence. Traditionally considered an aphrodisiac, it was said to inspire sensual pleasure and deep relaxation. It could be chewed, diluted in coffee or tea, or even incorporated into jellies. The very name conjures a heady blend of the exotic, forbidden, and sensuous, transporting the imagination to the richly perfumed markets of the Middle East, laden with spices, incense, and the warmth of opulent indulgence. Pronounced "Dah-wah-mesk," the name itself is imbued with a rhythmic, almost hypnotic quality that mirrors the sensory allure of its origins.
The word "Dawamesk" brings to mind vivid images of the ancient Near East and Arabic culture—hidden gardens filled with the intoxicating scent of spices, the luxurious tents of sultans adorned with silk and gold, where pleasures of all kinds were indulged. It evokes a sense of mystery, hedonism, and exotic allure, tinged with a slightly forbidden decadence. The emotions it stirs are those of warmth, sensuality, and a quiet yet powerful luxury. The fragrance interpretation of "Dawamesk" would follow this path—rich, deep, and complex, a blend of spices, musk, and florals that could easily feel at home in an Arabian Nights tale. Classified as an oriental fougère fragrance for women, its composition would surely offer an opulent warmth, grounded by woody and musky notes that reference the mystical, earthy quality of the original confection. The layers of sweet, spice-laden notes like nutmeg, cinnamon, and cardamom would be balanced by delicate floral touches of rose and a deep, balsamic base, mirroring the sensuous complexity of the perfume’s namesake.
For the women of the 1940s, the name "Dawamesk" would have offered a seductive escape into a world far removed from the austerity of post-war Europe. In a time when many sought relief from the harsh realities of a world just emerging from the shadows of World War II, the exoticism of the perfume’s name and its promise of luxury and sensuality would have been deeply appealing. The allure of the East had long captivated Western imaginations, and "Dawamesk," with its reference to ancient indulgences and aphrodisiacs, would have represented a welcome fantasy of pleasure and escape. A woman wearing Dawamesk would have felt as though she were channeling an exotic empress, adorned in silks and jewels, inhabiting a world of opulence and mystique.
