Description
Elizabeth Arden Treasures of the Pharaohs Lotus Candle Jar Blue Grass Egypt
This vintage Elizabeth Arden “Treasures of the Pharaohs” lotus candle jar combines Egyptian Revival styling with the glamour and luxury branding that defined many high-end cosmetic and fragrance presentations during the late 20th century. Produced in Japan exclusively for Elizabeth Arden, the piece originally housed a Blue Grass scented candle and remains complete with its original deep blue unused candle insert.
The sculptural porcelain form is inspired by the lotus flower, one of the most important symbols in ancient Egyptian art and religion. The petals open outward around a fitted lid crowned with a stylized lotus bud finial, while the exterior is decorated with vivid geometric and floral motifs in cobalt blue, turquoise, green, black, and coral tones accented with gold detailing.
Compact yet visually striking, the piece works equally well as a decorative vanity object, collectible fragrance container, or small Egyptian Revival accent for display.
Egyptian Revival Design and the Lotus Symbol
The “Treasures of the Pharaohs” series reflected the continuing fascination with ancient Egyptian aesthetics that re-emerged strongly during the 1970s and 1980s. Elizabeth Arden translated these influences into decorative cosmetic and fragrance objects that blended luxury presentation with collectible design.
The lotus flower held profound symbolic meaning in ancient Egypt, representing rebirth, renewal, purity, and the rising sun. Lotus imagery appeared throughout Egyptian architecture, jewelry, ceremonial objects, and temple decoration. The stylized motifs used on this jar reinterpret those ancient decorative traditions through a distinctly Art Deco-influenced late 20th century design language.
Its white porcelain body paired with bold jewel-tone decoration gives the piece a clean architectural quality while still retaining a rich ornamental presence.
Decorative Appeal and Collectibility
Unlike disposable fragrance packaging, the “Treasures of the Pharaohs” series was designed to be retained and displayed after use. Many examples were produced as vanity accessories or reusable decorative containers, making complete surviving examples with intact unused contents increasingly difficult to find.
This example, Lotus Candle Jar retains its original Blue Grass scented candle in a deep cobalt blue color and remains unused. The interior presents particularly well, with the candle surface still visible beneath the lid.
Its sculptural lotus silhouette makes it highly displayable either alone or grouped with other Egyptian Revival objects, vanity accessories, or Elizabeth Arden collectibles.
Condition
Good vintage condition overall with no major cracks or structural damage observed. The original Blue Grass scented candle remains intact and unused. Minor age-related wear, light surface marks, and small manufacturing irregularities consistent with vintage decorative porcelain may be present. Please review photographs carefully as they form part of the description.
