A few weeks ago, we talked about fruits that stand for summery, sunny and refreshing fragrances like no other: citrus fruits. Whether orange, mandarin or grapefruit, yuzu, bergamot or bitter orange, whether blossom, leaves or fruit, it is impossible to imagine the world of perfumery without hesperides. They are diverse and colorful, oscillating between sweet, tart, sour, greenish, refreshingly tangy, spicy-aromatic and creamy notes and enrich many compositions with this extraordinary richness of facets. Having already published the articles Histoire d’Orangers Extrême by L’Artisan Parfumeur – A summer fragrance full of elegance and Pomelo Assoluto by Gritti – A new addition to the Emerald Collection in recent weeks, today I am devoting myself to another Hesperides creation: Matsu Kï by Masakï Matsushïma.
Matsu Collection – the silent power of pine
The Matsu Collection by Masakï Matsushïma bears the name of the Japanese pine tree. In Japanese culture, Matsu stands for longevity, inner strength and a quiet, dignified presence. As an evergreen tree that survives even under harsh conditions, the pine tree embodies stability and tranquillity. The so-called maiden pine (“Onna-matsu”) in particular, with its curved, elegant shape, is a symbol of gentleness, restraint and aesthetics in imperfection. It is used in gardens and temples and is shaped using the traditional “Niwaki” cutting technique. Its flowing, asymmetrical silhouette conveys a feeling of lightness and movement.
The symbol of the Matsu Collection – the abstract, fan-like shape of a tree – picks up on this idea. It is reminiscent of pine tops, fans and stylized nature. A reduction to the essentials that is also reflected in the collection’s fragrances. Matsu Sunshïne is dedicated to the sun, optimism and good humor; Matsu Sakura to the “grace, fleetingness and exquisite beauty” of the cherry blossom.
Matsu Kï – the invisible that connects everything
In Matsu Kï, Matsu, i.e. the pine tree, is combined with the Japanese concept of “Kï”. It is a term that can hardly be summed up in a single word. It describes the invisible life force that is inherent in everything: the flow of energy that connects body, mind and environment. In the Japanese imagination, Kï is not just movement or vitality, but also a silent presence that makes things coherent, alive and meaningful.
Behind Matsu Kï is Leonardo Lucheze, a perfumer who impresses with his fine compositions. He knows how to create an atmosphere that touches and fascinates with just a few precisely placed notes. Born in Argentina, he now lives and works in Europe. It is precisely this cultural mix that his works thrive on: he combines the emotional warmth of his origins with the conceptual precision of European perfumery. His collaboration with Masakï Matsushïma adds yet another facet. For Matsu Kï, Lucheze specifically draws on Japanese influences.
“I wanted to create a fragrance that is somewhere between French elegance and Japanese delicacy, reinterpreting the timeless orange blossom with sophistication and pleasure. To enhance this orange blossom, I opted for Keraji mandarin – for its natural, sweet and sparkling side – and an Orangette accord – for its delicious candied facets. The result is a contrast of vibrancy and warmth that reveals a subtle balance: a fusion of Japanese purity and French depth, creating a desire that is both gentle and captivating.” – Leonardo Lucheze
In Matsu Kï, Leonardo Lucheze combines the fragrance notes mandarin, bergamot, raspberry, orange, orange blossom, honey, lavender, neroli, pink pepper, caramel, ambergris and musk.
The opening of Matsu Kï is refreshing and sparkling thanks to a colorful bouquet of citrus fruits that bring different facets to the creation. Tart, tangy, revitalizing and fruity, at the same time infused with a fine, creamy powderiness that gives the composition a certain grounding and prevents the colourful basket of hesperides from losing itself in fleeting transparency and lightness. A delicate peppery spiciness creates tension in the background, while lavender and neroli gently add greenish-herbal and aromatic nuances to the fragrance. As the fragrance progresses, the gentle, warm notes of ambergris emerge, combining with crystalline, powdery musk and gradually bringing the composition to a close
The color of Matsu Kï says it all. Masakï Matsushïma‘s eau de parfum is cheerful, optimistic and summery. A wonderfully citrusy and sunny good-mood fragrance that seems to awaken the spirits of life, carefree and full of joie de vivre. Anyone looking for a pleasant and uncomplicated eau de parfum with a medium presence and good longevity for the summer should definitely put Matsu Kï on their to-try list. In the warmer months of the year, it is a wonderfully sparkling fragrance companion for every occasion that instantly puts a smile on your face. Bright, radiant and modern.
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