Judith Muller ~ Bat-Sheba
Judith Muller’s Bat-Sheba (alternatively listed as “Batsheba” or “Bat Sheba,†and “Batsheva†or “Bat Sheva”) provides a great example of how easily excellent perfumes of the past can be forgotten, even amongst obsessive perfume and bottle collectors.
Her perfume house (listed in a 1968 business directory as Bat-Sheba Perfumes) was Israeli, based in Haifa, which makes my Bat-Sheba flacon a bit of a curiosity in a vintage collection filled mostly with French and American fragrances.
Bat-Sheba was released, I believe, in 1967. It was followed by “Shalom,” around 1970 (via POL and other sources), an eponymous fragrance simply titled “Judith Muller” in 1975 (via author Nigel Groom), and one called “King David” (year unknown)*.
I find later mentions of Muller releasing an “Esprit de Parfum” being distributed in 1992 by H. Stern jewelry outlets, a fragrance for the Budapest Opera Ball in 1990 (she hails from Hungary)*, and a special perfume titled “Jerusalem 3,000″ commemorating Israel’s 50th anniversary made in conjunction with the Israel Coins and Medals Corporation in 1997*. * Asterisked references via archived news releases.
Here at right, Ms. Muller is pictured happily guiding a 2006 exhibit on her work in Budapest (taken by user EuropeLaura at webshots.com):
Rumor has it that Judith Muller herself was not the sole creator behind Bat-Sheba and Shalom, but rather that Sophia Grosjman was the perfumer. Ms. Grosjman had only just begun her career at IFF at that particular time. Whether the rumors are true, I cannot say with any certainty, but if accurate would indicate a perfuming legacy that began with extraordinarily immediate and dazzling skill.
Bat-Sheba opens on a spicy aldehyde pitch, but quickly grows in intensity into a softly powdery and juicy floral heart. The fragrance further expands as it dries, revealing an incense-laden leathery base that smells the way an immaculately styled woman looks. Notes include aldehydes, jasmine, rose, iris (orris), vetiver, incense, and leather, among others. (If this was indeed composed by Sophia Grosjman, it would make an interesting comparison for those who are more familiar with her comparatively minimal and much more feminine approach in more famous later projects.)
Strangely, Bat-Sheba and other Judith Muller fragrances are not as highly valued by bottle collectors as one might think. The flacons are exquisite, hand painted to resemble antique Phoenician and Roman glass – one might guess the sheer aesthetic quality would attract a fair amount of attention. The old Muller bottles are variously colored, including pink, green, blue, and pretty pale lavender shades. But fortunately for perfume collectors these fragrances, though rare, do not create the sort of frenzy that, say, a presentation of Jacques Griffe’s Griffonage might stir.
I picked up this flacon for only $0.99 (if I recall correctly… it’s been awhile) $2.00 (Criminy, my memory is terrible, I could have just read my own old post at POL if I weren’t so freaking lazy) at a vintage resale boutique, which is fancy talk for a kitschy junk shop. I can see on the auction sites that while this little personal shopping whim turned out to be a great deal, the price tag on Bat-Sheba is still relatively undervalued. A casual perfume collector could pick up a bottle in excellent condition without having to pinch pennies on the rest of their monthly budget.
Although I wouldn’t normally advocate collecting simply for the sake of collecting, I do feel comfortable in suggesting others might enjoy discovering this relatively small, older Israeli perfume house for the outright fun of it. With the way perfume collecting has grown as a popular hobby, the Judith Muller house remains one of the few bargains out there. Bat-Sheba would make an interesting addition to any perfume hound’s library of knowledge.
Katie,
Thank you so much for the review of this lost gem!
I do not own this (not even as a sample) so I cannot comment on the scent, except that I did remember it on my grandmother’s vanity when I was younger. I have an eampty bottle, which is lovely and exquisite. The bottle of *my* favourite lost perfume, Abishag, looked very similar to this and I won’t be surprised if Ms. Muller had some influence (direct or indirect) on its creation. It was sadly discontinued. My first perfume that I’ve ever got for myself and identified so strongly with… But I digress (which always happens with the reminder of this lost treasure!).
Last I heard of Judith Muller was in my recent visit to Tel Aviv. My diligent grandmother has given me a media clip with an announcement of the upcoming celebrity scent for Bar Refaeli (she’s an Israeli supermodel constantly spoken of as Leonardo Di Caprio’s girlfriend in Israel, but I wouldn’t be able to recognize her face otherwise. I am so out of the loop…). Anyways, Ms. Muller is involved in the launch of this scent these days. So maybe there is hope for the first *international* launch of an Israeli celebrity perfume (the first one, I believe, being that which was made by Penina Rosenbloom, a bleached blond model and an aspiring politician who launched a line of cosmetics bearing her very own original name).
Ayala
20 May 07 at 9:41 pm
Ayala - I’m with you - I have no idea about the supermodels these days, either. I know the big 80s and 90s ones, and that’s about it. At least I have some nice company to sit with outside of the loop ;P It’s wonderful to see Ms. Muller still active and busy with projects, though I must admit, the other fairly recent ones sound much more interesting to me than yet another celeb perfume, heh!
Say, this is not anything to do with this post, but one of yours: The post you made about your CDs? I don’t know about all of them, but one of them is in stock at Djangos (it’s a local business to me) and I have always been happy with their customer service both in-store and online. They are also very good about making sure to contact you if something on your “notify me” list comes up, and I have had very good luck with that finding some out of print Julian Cope CDs I wanted to replace my old cassettes with. Here’s the link to the artist page:
http://www.djangomusic.com/artist_music.asp?pid=P+++140698
Scentzilla!
20 May 07 at 10:18 pm
I loved, and wore this, years ago.
Anya and I yipped about it, awhile back [must be months ago, now...ain't senescence a beeyootiful thing ?]
I really ought to get a replacement bottle, one of these days.
For the price, it can’t be beaten with a stick….
Hugs to you, and your kinder.
chayaruchama
21 May 07 at 6:33 am
What lovely bottles! Don’t know if the juice is quite me, but the bottles are so lovely I am inclined not to care..
tmp00
21 May 07 at 7:58 am
Chaya - It’s wonderful, isn’t it? Glad other ‘fume nuts are still burning a torch for it. Yeah, can’t believe the going prices on it, either - it’s rather surprising.
Tom - They are, though mine is a little dinged up on the cap, and the tag has been lost from the neck cord. Wish I had a set of them to display. The pink ones were really outstanding, but then, I suppose *I* would prefer the pink, heh.
Scentzilla!
21 May 07 at 1:51 pm
[...] Scentzilla: Interested in perfume collecting? Find out more about the rare Judith Muller ~ Bat-Sheba! [...]
Tour Of The Beauty Blogs : Be Beautiful
23 May 07 at 6:57 pm
Katie,
Thanks for the Aziza CD tip. I am going to sign up for updates there! It does seem that they are “out of print” so to speak though :(
Ayala
24 May 07 at 6:53 pm
No problemo - I kept meaning to simply email you, but this works, too! :)
Scentzilla!
25 May 07 at 7:40 pm
my wife wore this equisite perfume years ago,she went to buy more but alas was told we can not get it anymore.my question is can i still buy it? regards John..
john grant
6 Jun 07 at 5:15 pm
John - It’s no longer in production, in so far as I am aware of. Nor have I heard of any etailers making acceptably close “dupes” of this fragrance. I am sad to say, you will most likely have to turn towards auction sites and estate sales to find bottles of Bat-Sheba if you want it again. So sorry!
Scentzilla!
7 Jun 07 at 4:19 pm
I live in Hobart Tasmania and I want to k ow where I can purchas Bat Sheba by Judith Muller
Regards
Jude
Judith Lynch
14 Aug 07 at 1:42 am
Since it’s no longer made, I’d guess your best bet would be to try hunting it down like treasure in thrift stores, resale shops, and yard/estate sales. Or else there’s always online auction sites.
Scentzilla!
14 Aug 07 at 5:32 pm
I loved the perfume and 22 yrs ago I wore in on my wedding day. i am so sad that I can no longer purchase the scent. I have 2 bottles that I keep on display. They are so pretty. The scent mixed so well with me and I am sadden to learn that I can not get it any longer,
Marita
18 Aug 07 at 11:16 am
What a lovely choice for a wedding day scent - I am sure you must treasure those 2 bottles greatly!
Scentzilla!
24 Aug 07 at 1:29 pm
Is SHALOM still available to buy? if so, from where could I buy it?
Val Wagstaff
28 Aug 07 at 1:27 pm
I recently purchased in an auction house in Bonn a 10 ounce numberised unique Bat-Sheba bottle of Judith Muller Creations, wich was especially created for 22th Anniversary of Israel for a bargain price of 2800 Euros. Mrs Muller creations are unique art objects and excellent ivestments. I was glad to hear she’s still active.
janko
30 Aug 07 at 1:18 am
I have been looking to find the JUDITH MULLER MUSK OIL that I have purchased in Israel 20 years ago, but was unable to.
Please let me know if they still sell it .
Thank you Ziba Rosen
ZIBA ROSEN
23 Sep 07 at 10:05 am
I have a beautiful bottle of Bat sheba, brought to me by my parents from Israel at the end of the 60’s. I simply found the frangrance wonderful and would love some more.
the bottle, in my opinion, is equisitely designed.
Sincerely,
Evangeline Rand
Evangeline Rand
14 Oct 07 at 10:47 am
i too had the musk and have been trying to find more.i still have the bottle. if anyone can help find some i would be grateful
thanks
kerry
kerry hiscox
18 Oct 07 at 5:03 pm
I found a box of two miniature bottles of Bat Sheba and Shalom at a consignment shop. There is still perfume in the bottles and, although I did not open the bottles, the smell is exquisite.
Patricia
28 Oct 07 at 4:38 pm
I bought Bat-Sheba Exotic Oriental in the Virgin Islands in 1967. The scent, sadly, is almost gone from the bottle. Does Judith Muller have any plans to reintroduce her past scents? And, are her current ones only available in Israel?
Janet
17 Dec 07 at 7:44 pm
Hi Katie,
Wore Batsheba in the early 70’s whilst in my mid teens. My brother in law purchased it for my big sister whilst on their honeymoon in QLD (Australia). My sister wasn’t keen on the fragrance (can you believe it???) and gave it to me. I can recall it so well (turned 50yrs young last April) which is testament to the passionate responses it evokes amongst those who love this beautiful fragrance.
Why the hell doesn’t Judith Muller re create this gem???
I remember as a teenager that it was frequently advertised in Cleo magazine. An Aussie womens mag. that was very ground breaking in its day (featured the first male nude centrefold in a womens magazine).
I too, still have that empty bottle and if I try real hard can sometimes still smell a faint whisper of the fragrance.
Oh for the memories!
Living in hope for its return, Pat.XX
Pat Woldt
14 Jan 08 at 7:53 am
Dear Katie,
I congratulate you for your Scentzilla page and reviving this one of its kind fragrance Bat-Sheba which both my mother and me adored. I still cherish the remain empty bottles.I hope and believe that like Chanel 5, Judith Muller’s Bat-Sheba perfume will born anew being the first classical national fragrance.
Please continue this gorgeous page!
Regards
Betty
Betty Blau
9 Feb 08 at 1:02 am
Where can this be pruchased now>?
Help
Judy
12 Feb 08 at 12:54 pm
my mother used bat-sheba when it was sold in Vienna i never experienced a more exciting fragrance in a more beautiful bottle. each had painted no to alike. I also had the privilege to meet Mrs.Muller personally during the jewish museum exhibition in Budapest.She is as exciting and unique as her creation bat-sheba was. Chanel 5 was revived! We should unite for the revival a bat-sheba perfume.
to dear katie
15 Feb 08 at 8:15 am
Where i can find this perfume in Paris or if someone can send me i can pay. Thank you.
line
11 Mar 08 at 2:59 am
i totally love perfume bottles the older the better i have just invested in some for my website as i think there should be a come back of them
perfume bottles
14 Mar 08 at 2:29 am
Omg I am a “perfumaholic” now. I think my love of perfume grew from Judith Muller perfume. I purchased a set of six miniature bottles of perfumes by Judith Muller in the 70’s from the John Martin Dept. store in Adelaide South Australia, where I worked then. The tiny bottles were exquisite, and I loved ” Shalom” and “Batsheba”
I know I did not empty one of the bottles by use,using them only on special occasions. Sadly to say, in six house moves since then, I have somehow mislaid them.
I would like the modern perfumiers, to try and recreate those extra special scents once more.
Thanks for your site.
Cheers Kathryn
Kathryn
3 Apr 08 at 1:56 am
I am looking for a perfume that I used to buy at the christian bookstore years ago called Shalom. I remember that it smelled like todays Shalimar…?? Can anyone please help we figure out who makes it or if its even available anymore? Thank you, Michelle
Michelle
3 May 08 at 8:31 am
I loved Batsheba and also want to see it come back. So if anyone starts a movement for the return of it, count me in. Is this recipe still under a copyright? How do you bring back a perfume? Do we send petitions to Judith Muller?
If anyone out there has any of this perfume I will buy it. I don’t care what kind of bottle it is in. Yes, the bottles are pretty but it is the scemt that I desire. It was strong like the will of Israel refusing to fade away and as mysterious and intriguing as Jerusalem with a promise of eternity.
The more I think about it, this is a major catastrophe. Who is responsible for taking this product off the market? Can we sue Ms Muller? It has caused me emotional pain and totally incapacitated me for a really long tme. How about you?
All kidding aside, I love the stuff. Somebody Do Something.
Scentless in Memphis,
Josephina
Josephina Zorzoli
9 May 08 at 9:53 pm
Wow, I loved this oil. I was so upset when I had used the last of it in the 70’s. Is it available today??
Debby C
12 May 08 at 3:54 am
Dear Katie,
I would like very much to talk with you. Could you email a telephone number where to reach you?
Your Scentzilla pages are just great; thank you for it!
Warmest regards and congratulation!
Judith Muller
Bat Sheba perfumes
judith müller
18 May 08 at 4:01 am
I attented an auction last night and bid on a box of things we all laughed that i had purchased a genie bottle. After washing it and removing the cap to an enchanting fragrence (the bottle was empty); i was compelled to search the name on the bottom of the bottle, Judith Muller…what a wonderful website…so many memories and I too would love to have the oil once contained in this beautiful bottle, the scent lingers still in the bottle.
Carole Tannenbaum
5 Jun 08 at 12:28 pm
The scent was JUDITH - loved it - it was sold at Toronto Department Stores when introduced at Eaton’s. Promotion with it was a miniture necklace a glass bottle on a gold-filled chain which I still wear and the scent from Judith is still there - the bottle could be replaced with another miniature sold by Judith Muller. I also have a promotion of two vases in the beautifully ornate swirled glass that I treasure - was given as GIFT with PURCHASE — when Eaton’s no longer carried Judith I begged anyone going to Israel to bring anything back that was Judith Muller Scent.
I received the most beautiful compliments wearing Judith Muller. If anyone knows where it can be purchased …….
Bebe Gordon
13 Jun 08 at 8:08 am
Dear Ms. Muller,
My former husband gave me a bottle of Bat-Sheba years ago. Now, even though I have not seen him 15 years, I have carried my my empty bottles over seven counties and keep them on my dresser just to be able to get a whiff of that wonderful scent from time to time.
Carolyn Briggs Gallogly … Iowa City, Iowa USA
Carolyn Briggs Gallogly
22 Jun 08 at 7:23 pm
hello. my name’s sandra. i’m looking to buy a bottle of Bat-Sheba. Is there anyone out there whom may have a bottle or even the recipe.
Thanking you,
Sandy! :)
sandra mccraw
12 Jul 08 at 2:11 am
My husband managed to get, after much searching, a bottle of Batsheba in Jerusalem in the early nineties. I still have some left and hoard it. It’ll only be available in auctions or among old stocks in perfumiers and chemists, I think.
It’s a pity Muller doesn’t consider re-issuing it: I loved its powdery subtlety,
Freda
Freda Kvesic
25 Jul 08 at 6:01 am
I’m thrilled to have found a website devoted to Judith Muller!
In the seventies, my mother brought home “Bat-Sheba” and “Woody Oriental” sample vials. I loved the woody-oriental (Is that “Shalom?” Don’t remember.) There were a few different ones.
As a teenager, I used to lie in a hammock in the garden, with a smidgin of the woody-oriental on my wrist, breathing it in: heaven! I’d make that vial last for ages. When I started working, I bought the bottles. I still have one bottle from that era, but no cap and I use it as a tiny vase. I love it simply as an ornament and it brings back carefree memories - lovely with the sun shining behind it on the window-sill.
Please re-introduce your intoxicating, original formulas, Judith, and put your devotees out of their collective misery!
Jan Armstrong
29 Jul 08 at 3:01 am
Girls! Have just read on the internet that in Canada, they’re formulating a policy to ban perfumes from the workplace. I understand that sometimes people can over do it with scent, but that’s ridiculous.
What a barren place the office would be without the occasional uplifting whiff of someone’s perfume as they pass by.
Jan
Jan Armstrong
31 Jul 08 at 2:37 pm
Dear Katie,
The last week Mrs.Judith Muller was seen in the Hilton Hotel Tel-Aviv. In the gift shop I was told that some numberized bottles of Bat-Sheba perfume will be available soon.
Could you give me some information please???
Yours truely
Gina
Gina Nigno
18 Sep 08 at 11:38 am
Hi
I would love to find a bottle of the Judith Muller Musk oil. I use to wear it in the 70’s and a sniff of an old empty bottle I still have brings back many memories.. Any help would be appreciated
Thanks
Karen
Karen
8 Oct 08 at 3:25 am
Holy cow. Did I really see a post by The Judith Muller? Please, please please reissue this perfume! I’ve been searching for years and have only managed to get a couple of very small bottles. I’m hoarding it because it’s so special. Sure would love to get me hands on this wonderful perfume so I can actually wear it again!
Linda
Linda Butler
25 Nov 08 at 9:39 pm
Like the other posters, I too wish Bat Sheva were available again. Please resurrect this wonderful scent. Also, please make it available for sale in the US.
Debbie G
13 Dec 08 at 12:00 pm
Does anyone know the current closest fragrance/oil to Batsheba?
Marilyn B
14 Dec 08 at 11:07 pm
Am o poveste de suflet pentru un parfum piedut:BAT-SHEBA…Daca vrei sa ma ajuti sa il regasec si daca vrei sa-ti spun povestea mea, ti-as fi profund recunoscatoare daca imi dai un semn de viata.Si pentru ca e inceput de an, primeste urarile mele de prosperitate, bucurie si impliniri.Camelia
Camelia Iordan
2 Jan 09 at 10:00 am
If Ms Muller ever sees this sight, please let us know if Bat Sheeba is still available. My father regularly went to Israel in the 70’s and when I was 13, he brought me a key-chain with a tiny flagon of Bat-Sheeba and told me he had found it a jewelery store in Haifa. The next year, as he prepared to return to Israel, again, he asked what did I want him to bring back to me. My answer??? A BOTTLE of Bat-Sheeba! I was parsimonious with my use for the next three years, and I haven’t seen it since.
Jo
22 Oct 09 at 11:20 am
I have a small box of two bottles: one Bat Sheba and one Shalom for bidding. They still have the perfume in the bottles. Will go to highest bidder.
Patricia
4 Nov 09 at 7:04 am
If the bottles are still available, I would like to know the prices, so I can buy for my mother.
Karen
29 Dec 09 at 9:43 am
Im a great collector of Judith Miller oil perfume, I would like to buy her bottles.
I am also interested in the prices.
As soon as possible.
Thankyou
Lola
6 Jan 10 at 9:04 am
I also have this bottle in the box with half of the perfume left in it!…the box is slightly cracked…what an incredible journey
Rose
16 Jan 10 at 9:00 pm
Rose Its Lola,
I would like to buy the bottle perfume from you.
How can we get in touch?
Lola
27 Jan 10 at 8:32 am
P A T R I C I A : (4 Nov 09)
Please let me know how to bid for the Bat-Sheba and Shalom bottles you wish to auction. Do you have a website?
Barbara
7 Feb 10 at 11:00 am
I have been after Shalom for many years. Is it still being made? How do I purchase it? PLEASE??
jennifer
19 Feb 10 at 10:16 pm
Hello,
I do have 2 bottles of Bat Sheba, both are 1/2fl, unused. One is eau de toilette, the other is parfum de toilette. I also do have a big bottle of Shalom it’s 1fl, also unused. And i have one bottle called Judith, it’s a 1/2fl bottle of eau de toilette.
mss Kleeven
10 Mar 10 at 10:14 am
interest? you can sent me a mail: kleeven21@home.nl
mss Kleeven
10 Mar 10 at 10:16 am
Can someone please compare the scent of Bat Sheva to any other perfumes? Also, is it sweet? I don’t tend to like sweet fragrances…Please describe it, I’m so curious about what it smells like! thank you!
tourmaline
8 Apr 10 at 12:28 pm
Dear Readers,
In the late 80’s I was fortunate to came across Judith Muller’s Musk Oil. Never in my life before or after coming into first contact with the frangrance has my nose been happier but alas the frangrance is no longer sold and my poor nose has fallen into depression. I shy away from perfumes now and long for the scent of Judith’s Musk Oil. As for Bat Sheva, I have never had the pleasure of the fragrance and in a way I’m glad, as my nose would be doubly depressed. I used to talk about the scent to everyone who would listen but after almost 25 years it’s time to seek closure. I cannot bare the fact Musk Oil is no longer on the market, but I live in hope that one day it will be reintroduced to the world and my nose will breathe in joy once again. Until then I endeavour to hold my breath against all immitations.
Forever yours (Musk Oil),
K
Kathi Rowan
16 Apr 10 at 7:42 pm
Bat Sheba (feminine) - an oriental perfume with very contrasted green-rose notes (cactus-rosewood) over a vanilla/cocoa/ balsamic/chypre-woody base. It is an original and strange composition that smells like a vision of the desert. It has a IBQ woody note mixed with soft powders. It is the most original from the line with a special dark honey effect on the skin.
Top: Aldehydes, cardamon, bergamot, fruit note, rosewood.
Middle: Jasmine, assisted by rose, orris, ylang-ylang and carnation for a sultry floral effect.
Base: Patchoulli, assisted by vetiver, castoreum, amber, leather and moss for a warm sensual note.
auntjudysattic.com
Kathi Rowan
16 Apr 10 at 7:50 pm
Yes I’m a man, but I love fragrances and beauty, and Bat Sheba was the top of both: I had a little bottle, bought or borrowed from mother or aunt I don’t know where, and it was cubic tiny and hand decorated in shades of amber. The fragrance was Hypnotic. I was 14 years old then, on 1970.
Bye with reverie, Mike
Mike
25 Aug 10 at 1:19 am