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.
May 20th, 2007 at 9:41 pm
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).
May 20th, 2007 at 10:18 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
May 21st, 2007 at 6:33 am
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.
May 21st, 2007 at 7:58 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..
May 21st, 2007 at 1:51 pm
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.
May 23rd, 2007 at 6:57 pm
[…] Scentzilla: Interested in perfume collecting? Find out more about the rare Judith Muller ~ Bat-Sheba! […]
May 24th, 2007 at 6:53 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 :(
May 25th, 2007 at 7:40 pm
No problemo - I kept meaning to simply email you, but this works, too! :)
June 6th, 2007 at 5:15 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..
June 7th, 2007 at 4:19 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!
August 14th, 2007 at 1:42 am
I live in Hobart Tasmania and I want to k ow where I can purchas Bat Sheba by Judith Muller
Regards
Jude
August 14th, 2007 at 5:32 pm
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.
August 18th, 2007 at 11:16 am
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,
August 24th, 2007 at 1:29 pm
What a lovely choice for a wedding day scent - I am sure you must treasure those 2 bottles greatly!
August 28th, 2007 at 1:27 pm
Is SHALOM still available to buy? if so, from where could I buy it?
August 30th, 2007 at 1:18 am
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.
September 23rd, 2007 at 10:05 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
October 14th, 2007 at 10:47 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
October 18th, 2007 at 5:03 pm
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
October 28th, 2007 at 4:38 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.
December 17th, 2007 at 7:44 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?
January 14th, 2008 at 7:53 am
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
February 9th, 2008 at 1:02 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
February 12th, 2008 at 12:54 pm
Where can this be pruchased now>?
Help
February 15th, 2008 at 8:15 am
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.
March 11th, 2008 at 2:59 am
Where i can find this perfume in Paris or if someone can send me i can pay. Thank you.
March 14th, 2008 at 2:29 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
April 3rd, 2008 at 1:56 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
May 3rd, 2008 at 8:31 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
May 9th, 2008 at 9:53 pm
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
May 12th, 2008 at 3:54 am
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??
May 18th, 2008 at 4:01 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
June 5th, 2008 at 12:28 pm
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.
June 13th, 2008 at 8:08 am
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 …….
June 22nd, 2008 at 7:23 pm
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
July 12th, 2008 at 2:11 am
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! :)