From Ancient Dildos to the Modern Vibrator: The Surprising History and Inventors Behind Sex Toys
From Cleopatra’s rumored buzzing gourd to the sleek, viral sensation known as the Rose Toy, the history of sex toys is far older—and more surprising—than most people realize.
If you’ve ever wondered who invented the Rose Toy, why the vibrator was originally created, or what the first dildos looked like, you’re not alone. The evolution of sexual pleasure devices is a journey that spans millennia, involving myth, medicine, and a fair share of controversy.
Modern sex toys like the Rabbit Vibrator may seem like recent tech marvels, but their origins trace back to ancient civilizations and curious inventors with unconventional ideas. In this deep dive, we’ll uncover the truth behind old vibrators, the first-ever dildo, and how today’s clitoral vibrators owe their popularity to a fascinating, taboo-shifting history.
Who Invented the Rose Toy? The Viral Clitoral Revolution
The Rose Toy didn’t just appear—it bloomed at the perfect intersection of innovation, social media virality, and a shifting cultural conversation around women’s pleasure.
What Is the Rose Toy?
Shaped like a blooming rose with a soft, suction-like opening at its center, the Rose Toy is a clitoral stimulator that uses air pulse technology instead of traditional vibration. This delivers indirect yet highly focused stimulation, creating a gentler, more intense orgasmic experience without numbing the nerves.
Its unique design—discreet, elegant, and emoji-friendly—helped remove the stigma around sex toys. Combined with a $30–$50 price point and beginner-friendly controls, it became a favorite for first-time buyers and pleasure pros alike.
So, Who Invented the Rose Toy?
While there is no single patented inventor of “the Rose Toy,” its rise is largely attributed to Chinese pleasure tech manufacturers, particularly:
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Sohimi – One of the first brands to aggressively market the Rose Toy online
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Osuga – Known for stylish wellness-inspired designs and user-focused innovation
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ZALO – A luxury Chinese brand that contributed to high-end air pulse technology
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Nomi Tang, Lora DiCarlo (non-Chinese), and others have since followed with similar suction devices
Who Invented the Rose Toy? The Viral Clitoral Sensation Explained
If you’ve spent any time on TikTok, you’ve likely seen the Rose Toya compact, rose-shaped clitoral vibrator that quickly became a symbol of self-pleasure and sexual wellness. But who invented the Rose Toy, and why did it become such a global sensation?
The original concept behind the Rose Toy is believed to have emerged from Chinese pleasure tech companies around 2020, with several brands most notably Osuga and Sohimi—popularizing the now-iconic design. These toys use air pulse technology rather than traditional vibration, offering gentle, targeted stimulation without direct contact. That makes them not only intensely pleasurable but also a safer choice for individuals exploring their bodies for the first time.
Why Was the Vibrator Invented? (Hint: It Wasn’t About Pleasure)
The modern vibrator wasn’t originally created for sexual pleasure it was invented as a medical device. In the late 19th century, Victorian doctors used early vibrators to treat what they called “female hysteria,” a so-called illness marked by anxiety, irritability, and sexual frustration. The treatment? Manual genital massage to induce what they described as “paroxysms” (what we now understand as orgasms).
But the real reason the vibrator was invented? Doctors’ hands were getting tired. Manual massage was time-consuming, and some physicians looked for a mechanical shortcut. That led to the development of the first electromechanical vibrators in the 1880s—designed not for pleasure, but to streamline what was then seen as clinical therapy.
These devices quickly migrated from clinics to parlors and eventually to home use, as women discovered their power. The rest, as they say, is vibrating history.
From Cleopatra to Clockwork: Ancient Myths and Early Models
The history of sex toys didn’t start with batteries or motors it began in caves and temples. Archaeologists have uncovered stone dildos dating back over 28,000 years, believed to have been used for both sexual and ceremonial purposes. These ancient tools were often carved from stone, bone, or ivory and suggest that the human desire for pleasure is as old as civilization itself.
One of the most fascinating legends? Cleopatra’s “buzzing bee gourd.” According to myth, the Egyptian queen filled a hollowed-out gourd with buzzing bees to create an early prototype of the vibrator. While historians debate its authenticity, the story underscores how creative and resourceful ancient cultures may have been in exploring sexual stimulation.
The World’s First Vibrator Patents: From Medical Tool to Bedroom Staple
While myths of ancient vibrators persist, the first officially patented vibrator appeared in the late 1800s—and it wasn’t invented for sexual pleasure.
In 1880, British physician Dr. Joseph Mortimer Granville patented the first electromechanical vibrator, known as the Granville’s Hammer. Designed to treat muscular pain, not sexual dysfunction, this early invention was marketed as a “percussive therapy” device. However, it wasn’t long before others realized it could stimulate more than just sore muscles.
By the early 1900s, electric vibrators were among the first five household appliances available for home use—beating out even the vacuum cleaner and iron. These devices were advertised in women’s magazines as health and beauty tools, often referred to as “relaxation aids” or “nerve stimulators.”
As their popularity surged, so did concerns. By the 1920s, once vibrators became more explicitly linked to sexual pleasure in film and pop culture, they vanished from mainstream ads—only to re-emerge decades later as proudly feminist and sex-positive tools.
Dildos Through the Ages: Stone, Wood & Silicone
Long before the invention of vibrators, dildos were already a part of human history—used for pleasure, ritual, and even symbolic purposes. Archaeological finds from Germany and the Upper Paleolithic era reveal stone phalluses dating back nearly 30,000 years, making dildos some of the oldest known sexual artifacts on record.
In ancient Greece, dildos—called olisbos—were often made of leather, padded with wool, and soaked in olive oil. These early designs weren’t hidden or taboo; they were even referenced in comedies and pottery art, showcasing how normalized sexual tools were in daily life.
During the Middle Ages and Renaissance, wood and ivory were common materials, though records suggest their use became more private due to religious and cultural shifts.
Fast forward to today, and dildos have evolved into sleek, safe, medical-grade silicone models—non-porous, flexible, and body-friendly. Unlike their wooden or stone ancestors, modern dildos are designed with both pleasure and health in mind.
How the Rose Toy Redefined Sex Tech in the 2020s
The 2020s witnessed an explosion of innovation in the world of sex toys—and at the center of this revolution was the Rose Toy. Far more than a viral product, it catalyzed a new era of tech-forward, stigma-free, and design-driven pleasure devices that reshaped the adult wellness industry.
From Vibration to Air Pulse: A New Pleasure Paradigm
Before the Rose Toy, most mainstream vibrators relied on direct vibration—which could be numbing or overwhelming for some users. The Rose Toy introduced many people to air pulse technology: a form of sonic stimulation that uses gentle, rhythmic pressure waves to stimulate the clitoris without physical contact.
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Non-numbing stimulation = prolonged orgasms and better nerve sensitivity
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Indirect contact = perfect for people new to sex toys or with sensitive anatomy
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Faster climaxes = thanks to targeted clitoral focus and ergonomic designs
Design That Feels Like Wellness, Not Taboo
Unlike earlier, phallic-shaped vibrators, the Rose Toy featured:
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Elegant, flower-like packaging
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Blush pink and pastel tones
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Soft silicone finishes
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Compact, palm-sized dimensions
It didn’t scream “sex toy”—it whispered self-care. For the first time, consumers could display their vibrator on their nightstand without shame. It blurred the line between sexual health and personal wellness, joining the ranks of jade rollers and bath bombs.
The Rise of the Aesthetic Toy: Gen Z’s Influence
With Gen Z and younger Millennials driving demand, aesthetics mattered. The Rose Toy became a status symbol on social media, thanks to:
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Unboxing reels with soft lighting and clean visuals
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Memes and TikToks that framed it as “the best relationship ever”
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Conversations around solo pleasure as empowerment, not shame
The Tech-Wellness Merge: Smart, Safe, Stylish
Following the Rose Toy trend, the industry leaned into:
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App-controlled toys for long-distance play and customization
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Body-safe silicone with FDA-grade standards
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Waterproof and rechargeable features as baseline expectations
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Heating functions and suction mapping for enhanced realism and comfort
Products like Rabbit Vibrator built upon this legacy—offering heat, dual stimulation, and whisper-quiet operation in a wellness-grade form factor.
Market Impact: The “Rose Effect” on the Sex Tech Industry
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Category growth: Air pulse stimulators became one of the fastest-growing sex toy categories between 2020–2023.
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Retail shift: Mainstream retailers (like Urban Outfitters, Free People, and even Sephora in select markets) began experimenting with stocking elegant vibrators.
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Investment surge: Sex tech startups attracted record funding, buoyed by the Rose Toy’s success as proof of consumer appetite.
Modern Design Innovations: From Clockwork to App-Controlled Pleasure
The journey from clunky, doctor-prescribed machines to elegant, app-connected pleasure devices is nothing short of revolutionary. In just over a century, sex toys have transformed from secretive tools of clinical therapy into sleek, ergonomic, and intelligent gadgets that fit easily into a nightstand—or a skincare routine.
From Clockwork to Battery Power
Early vibrators like the Granville’s Hammer (1880s) were bulky, mechanical contraptions designed for muscle therapy (and unofficially, for “female hysteria”). By the 1920s, smaller electric massagers entered the household market, often marketed as “nerve stimulators.”
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Lacked precision
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Were loud and non-discreet
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Offered limited intensity control
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Battery-operated toys became affordable and portable
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Silicone materials replaced porous plastics for safer hygiene
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Brands like Lelo and We-Vibe focused on modernizing form and user experience
App-Controlled Toys: The Tech Boom of the 2020s
Today's sex toys are as much software as they are hardware. Modern innovations include:
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App Connectivity: Sync your toy with a smartphone to control rhythm, intensity, or let your partner take the reins remotely.
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AI + Adaptive Tech: Some models can learn your patterns, adjusting stimulation based on your arousal level.
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Voice and Music Sync: Create unique experiences by pairing toy vibrations with ambient music, voice commands, or even erotic audio.
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Memory Modes: Save your favorite pleasure combinations and recall them instantly.
Heating, Suction, and Dual Motors: Realism Meets Fantasy
Products like the Rabbit Vibrator showcase what’s possible when modern pleasure meets innovation:
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Heating functions mimic natural body warmth
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Dual motors allow internal and clitoral stimulation simultaneously
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Ultra-quiet modes allow for discreet enjoyment
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Waterproof design turns bath time into playtime
Ergonomics, Inclusivity, and UX-Focused Design
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Curved shapes for G-spot access and vulva contouring
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Body-safe materials like medical-grade silicone
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Gender-inclusive interfaces (e.g., no heteronormative labeling)
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Simple interfaces just one button, or smart gesture controls
This evolution is not just about pleasure—it’s about safety, empowerment, and self-expression. Modern sex tech reflects a global shift: one where self-pleasure is no longer taboo but an essential part of well-being.
How Sex Toys Became Mainstream: From Taboo to Tech-Savvy
Sex toys have gone from closet-kept curiosities to proudly displayed wellness tools. But how did this transformation happen? It took a cultural movement, market innovation, and a willingness to challenge shame head-on.
The Sexual Revolution & Feminist Wave
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The birth control pill and Roe v. Wade shifted conversations about women’s autonomy
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Second-wave feminists like Betty Dodson advocated for masturbation as a form of empowerment
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Early sex shops in New York and San Francisco introduced female-friendly layouts and educational resources
Education, Therapy & Science Normalize Pleasure
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Medical studies reframed masturbation as normal and healthy
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Therapists began prescribing vibrators for pelvic floor issues and sexual dysfunction
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Schools and clinics started (slowly) acknowledging sexual wellness as a valid topic
Frequently Asked Questions
Who invented the Rose Toy?
While there is no single inventor with a trademarked patent, the Rose Toy concept emerged around 2020, driven by Chinese sex tech manufacturers like Sohimi and Osuga. These companies pioneered its compact, suction-based design using air pulse technology, and its popularity exploded thanks to TikTok virality.
Why was the vibrator originally invented?
The modern vibrator was not created for sexual pleasure—it was invented in the late 19th century to treat “female hysteria.” Doctors used early electromechanical vibrators to induce “paroxysms” (now known as orgasms) as part of medical treatment. Ironically, it was a fatigue-reduction tool for physicians, not a wellness device for women.
Who created the first vibrator?
Dr. Joseph Mortimer Granville is credited with inventing the first electromechanical vibrator in the 1880s. Called Granville’s Hammer, it was designed to treat muscular aches and nerve pain—not sexual dysfunction. However, it quickly found alternative uses in medical clinics and households.
When was the first sex toy invented?
The first known sex toys date back to the Upper Paleolithic era, nearly 30,000 years ago. Archaeologists have found polished stone and bone objects in Germany that are believed to be prehistoric dildos, suggesting sexual pleasure has long been a part of human history.
What materials were ancient dildos made from?
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Stone
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Ivory
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Wood
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Bone
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Leather (in Ancient Greece, padded with wool and olive oil)
What’s the difference between vibrators and dildos?
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Dildos are typically used for penetration and don’t vibrate unless designed as a hybrid.
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Vibrators include motorized stimulation—for clitoral, G-spot, or external erogenous zones—and often include tech like heating, app control, or air suction.
How did vibrators become popular household products?
In the early 1900s, vibrators were sold as “health massagers” in women’s magazines and department stores—before vacuum cleaners and electric irons. By the 1920s, due to rising sexual associations in films and culture, they were pulled from mainstream ads but resurged decades later through feminist and sex-positive movements.
Are DIY vibrators safe?
Historically, many people used improvised tools (from ancient gourds to modern toothbrush handles). While the creativity reflects curiosity and autonomy, most DIY vibrators pose risks: lack of hygiene, unsafe materials, and injury potential. Modern toys are specifically engineered to be safe, hygienic, and body-friendly.
What innovations make modern sex toys better?
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App control & Bluetooth pairing
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Air pulse suction (as in Rose Toys)
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Medical-grade silicone
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Warming elements
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Ultra-quiet motors
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Waterproofing
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Memory functions
Pleasure Has Always Been Human
From the carved stone dildos of prehistoric caves to Cleopatra’s legendary buzzing gourd and the modern viral phenomenon of the Rose Toy—the history of sex toys is a testament to one simple truth: pleasure is timeless.
Whether invented for medicine, ritual, or raw desire, these tools have evolved alongside humanity, breaking barriers and challenging taboos. Once hidden behind closed doors and medical jargon, vibrators and dildos are now celebrated as essential parts of sexual wellness, self-love, and empowerment.
As materials, designs, and attitudes have changed, one thing remains: the desire to explore our bodies and connect with ourselves or partners in meaningful ways. Today’s sex toys—like the Rabbit Vibrator—represent more than innovation. They’re part of a cultural shift that honors autonomy, health, and pleasure without shame.
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