The perfume brand Carthusia was born in Capri, a charming island at the cost of Naples, and boasts essences extracted from flowers and fruits of the island. Active for decades, it boasts a legendary origin dating back to 1300 and linked to the Queen of Naples Giovanna I d’Angiò.
In recent years, it has expanded into Japan, a key country for international expansion.

Let’s explore this brand’s history and values. You can read where to find its products at the end of the article.

Brand Overview

The name “Carthusia” derives from the word “Certosa”, which refers to the Carthusian monastery of San Giacomo in Capri, where the brand originated. 

The origins of the brand fragrances are rooted in legend. It is said that in 1380, the prior of the Certosa di San Giacomo, given the Queen Giovanna d’Angiò visit, gathered beautiful flowers from Capri to welcome her. These flowers remained in the water for three days, and upon discarding them, the prior noticed that the water emitted a delicious fragrance. The scent was traced back to the “Garofilum Silvestre Caprese”, a typical plant from the island. This discovery marked the beginning of Capri’s perfumery tradition.

In 1948 the prior of the Certosa rediscovered the ancient perfume formulas once created by the Carthusian monks. With approval from the Pope, he shared these formulas with a chemist from Piedmont, Dr. Jovino. Together, they established the world’s smallest perfumery laboratory, naming it “Carthusia”.

Silvio Ruocco, a native of Capri, and his daughter Virginia manage the brand from more than 20 years. During the recent pandemic, the brand successfully expanded its online sales, maintaining growth in key markets such as the United States, Germany, Japan, and Korea.

Carthusia keep its artisanal roots crafting fragrances by hand and using natural, high-quality ingredients sourced from Capri’s environment. The production process meticulously preserves the traditional methods of the Carthusian monks, blending innovation and craftsmanship. 

Carthusia’s logo is an iconic Liberty-style mermaid surrounded by colorful flowers, designed in 1948 by the painter Mario Laboccetta. This symbol recalls the essence of Capri’s mythology, as the island is said to be inhabited by mermaids from ancient Greek times.

Product Highlights

Carthusia offers a diverse range of products across several categories (some of the following might not be available in Japan). 

Their perfumes include classic eau de parfum, solid fragrances, and oil roll-on sticks.

For body care, they feature body creams, hand creams, shower gels, soaps, sunscreens, beauty products, and grooming items for beards.

Home decor items include diffusers, candles, and room sprays. 

If you like diffusers, check: 9+ elegant Italian diffusers (you can find in Japan)

Additionally, the brand provides travel and beach accessories such as tote bags, pouches, and pareos. 

The fragrances take inspiration from the island’s nature: rosemary from Mount Solaro is the base for men’s scents, while the wild carnation of Capri forms the foundation of women’s fragrances.

Carthusia and Japan

Interestingly, the website is currently available in Italian, English, and Japanese, reflecting the brand’s strong focus on the Japanese market.

Carthusia’s flagship stores are primarily located in Naples and Capri, with a presence in a few other major Italian cities. Internationally, the brand operates two stores in Japan and one in Hong Kong, alongside numerous retailers worldwide.

Virginia Ruocco, daughter of Chairman Silvio Ruocco, brought fresh energy and innovation to the brand upon her return from studies in Japan, helping to elevate Carthusia’s presence on the global stage.

Where to find

Carthusia Azabudai Hills – Tokyo (Google maps)

Carthsia Matsuzakaya – Nagoya (Google maps)

Check the nearly 40 official resellers in Japan, like boutiques and department stores here: https://www.carthusia.it/en/store-locator/ 

Final Thoughts

From its mythical origin and subsequent humble rediscovery, the brand grew, maintaining its artisanal methods and high-quality standards. Today, the brand produces an array of fragrances steeped in the Capri natural essence and history. Japan is at the very focus of the company’s development, and its success proves the right move.