Launched in 1923, Ptah by Ciro arrived at the height of Egyptomania, a cultural phenomenon ignited by the discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922 by British archaeologist Howard Carter. The name Ptah (pronounced "Puh-tah") was a deliberate nod to ancient Egyptian mystique and power, chosen to align with the era’s fascination with the grandeur of the past. In Egyptian mythology, Ptah was one of the most important gods, a creator deity associated with art, craftsmanship, and rebirth. Often depicted as a mummified figure wearing a skullcap, holding a scepter, Ptah was revered as the divine architect of the universe, a god of creation and transformation. The subtitle "King of Them All" further emphasized its majesty, suggesting that Ptah was not merely another fragrance but a ruler among perfumes, a scent of unparalleled distinction.
The 1920s were defined by a relentless pursuit of modernity, but alongside the rush toward the future, there was an insatiable curiosity for the past—particularly the exotic and mysterious world of ancient Egypt. The discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb sent shockwaves through popular culture, influencing fashion, jewelry, architecture, and, of course, perfumery. Egyptian motifs—lotuses, scarabs, sphinxes, hieroglyphics, and gold accents—appeared on everything from evening gowns to Art Deco perfume bottles. The era’s most stylish women, including socialites and Hollywood actresses, embraced Egyptian-inspired beauty, drawing kohl-rimmed eyes in the likeness of Cleopatra and adorning themselves with beaded headdresses and exotic jewelry.
Fragrance was an essential part of this aesthetic, and Ptah was perfectly positioned to embody this mystical, regal allure. The very name evoked images of an ancient world steeped in ceremony and splendor—the burning of resins in gilded temples, floral offerings laid at the feet of gods, the scent of rare oils perfuming the air of royal chambers. It was a fragrance that whispered of power, mystery, and eternal beauty, capturing the fantasy of a civilization both long-lost and yet newly rediscovered.
