Matsukita

This is a very interesting fragrance for me and unlike anything else in my collection. My first impression was uncertain, probably due to the fact that I expected something different from the previous descriptions below. However, this has since become one of my favourites. The notes are well blended so many of the individual notes are difficult for me to discern. Apart from the mate, which has a strong dominance throughout. Off the bat, I get a juxtaposition of burnt, sticky sweetness against an opposing bitter accord, which is almost leather like. I can’t say I smell smoke per se, rather a burnt sweetness and it was this that initially threw me. There’s also a touch of sharp citrus in the opening combined with some spices. Fortunately, for me, the initial sweetness dies back a notch although it retains some of the sweetness which stops the scent from becoming too austere and dry. I can detect more musk and wood as it dries down. The jasmine helps to soften the bitter aspect of the mate and slowly the amber comes through with a slight touch of warmth. Though the mate tea is definitely the dominant player throughout, with all the other notes playing a supporting role. This is just my interpretation of the fragrance - it has subtle nuances and I think this scent will provoke different thoughts in others due to what their sense of smell is particularly attuned too. I particularly like the opposing factors of the bitter tea against the softer, sweeter elements. After trying this for a few days, I’ve grown to enjoy it more and more and have ordered a bottle. It really is a beautiful and unique fragrance and has become quite addictive. It’s rich but not in a cloying or dense way. The colour red definitely suits this scent. However, I’m unsure when I will wear this as it’s so unique. The rich tea, almost leather-like accord (I know leather isn’t listed, but it still gives me that sense) and bitter aspects of the fragrance point towards an evening. I would say it leans slightly masculine although not so much that it can’t be classed as unisex, especially with the addition of the jasmine and musk. Longevity is good with moderate projection. I’ve tried a few CC fragrances and none have grabbed my attention until now, especially at the premium price-point (fortunately, I was able to find a brand new, sealed bottle on eBay with a third off the price), however, this fragrance’s unique character has drawn me in and I’m very pleased to add it to my collection, plus it’s a beautiful presentation. Note: this has similarities to Widian’s Liwa. They both share a sticky burnt floral sweetness on top of woods. However, Liwa doesn’t have the mate tea note and is much sweeter as a result. I prefer this as the sweetness in Liwa is a bit much, even though it’s also a great fragrance. Liwa might be worth a try for those who don’t like the dominant mate in this. Edit: I love this fragrance so much, I bought a spare! I think it’s incredible.

This week I am going to do five sample reviews for five of Clive Christian's best known fragrances, as I was very kindly given five testers at HN in Dubai to spend some time with and see what they are about. Monday's is Matsukita. It is funny because I've smelt this one a couple of times before and it never wowed me, but this morning it absolutely rocked my world. The opening is a thick, resinous aromatic vibe with a heavy dose of smoke. It reminds me of the way Lapsang Souchong tea tastes; the way smoke curls around you in an embrace against the green freshness. I get more of the pink pepper in the top than the very subtle bergamot. Oddly, I have always found The Noir 29 by Le Labo lovely but a bit stringent and this should be similar but it is not at all. Matsukita is darker yet softer. The jasmine is woven into the sambar note here in the heart and together it has this soaring sweetness to it that works so beautifully with the moody mate and the tarry smokiness of the tea. It all sits above the cedar wood base in the most elegant way imaginable. The woods are smoky but there is also a coniferous aromatic vibe to it as well that stops this from going too heavy like The Noir 29 does. This is not fun or happy. It is moody and reflective and in that quite astonishingly well done. If you took Winter Palace by MEMO without the fruits and pushed it in a The Noir 29 direction via a short dalliance with Tea Tonique by Miller Harris, but without the bright citruses to sweeten, you have something close to Matsukita. Quite unexpectedly, it resonated with me in an emotional way. This fragrance evokes something lost from my memory; recalling an echo of something tender and fragile but powerful at the same time that I must have experienced in a past life. Sometimes I wonder why I love fragrances so much and why I entertain such an odd addiction for something that can seem so banal or vain at times. It is fragrances like Matsukita that make everything make sense to me. I do not need to tell you that I love this fragrance because that should be blindingly obvious, but I will tell you that this is my kind of perfumery and absolutely my kind of scent. It is breathtaking. If Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday's testers are anything like as wonderful as Matsukita is, I am in for a treat. Layering suggestion: Nope. This one is not for layering. There is nothing anyone could spray on top or below this that could improve it. Three Word Summary: Pure Moody Perfection Scent - 10/10 Drydown - 8/10 Sillage - 8/10 Bottle/packaging - 10/10 Performance - 8/10 44 / 50

When I smelled Matsukita for the first time, I was pleasantly surprised by the fragrance's DNA. It was a new scent that was unlike anything I had ever smelled before. It was like a scent from a distant culture, that of the Far East. Matsukita is a reinterpretation of a fragrance from 1892 commissioned by a mysterious Japanese princess from the Meiji era, a client of the Crown Perfumery Company, the predecessor of Clive Christian. Matsukita is complex, refined, and subtly mysterious. It embodies a form of discreet luxury, not flashy, but profound, like an elegant whisper steeped in history and culture. It is a memory that one has never experienced, a dream of the Orient, seen through Victorian England. A mirage of elegance suspended between two worlds, that of imperial refinement and Western romanticism. Fragrance evolution: The fragrance opens with a bright, fresh burst of bergamot and airy pink pepper, accompanied by delicate nutmeg. It quickly becomes more introspective, almost Zen-like. Smoky mate tea enters the scene and brings a soothing sensation, while rose and imperial jasmine intertwine like layered kimonos, adding a sensual aspect. It then evolves into a musky and woody base that is not rough, oriental but not excessive. The incense here is muted, never ecclesiastical, giving instead the sensation of white steam emanating from a hot spring in the Japanese mountains. The sillage is elegant, persistent, but restrained. Evocation/Inspiration: Matsukita is an artistic and cultural fragrance, a fragrance that transports you to a distant civilization, to the era of emperors and the Japanese empire. Fragrance: 5/5 (Masterpiece) Longevity: 4.5/5 Projection: 4/5

It is a fragrance with a unique scent. While it is fresh and juicy, it also has a beautiful soft smoky undertone. Clive Christian has managed to beautifully combine the dominant note of jasmine, which has a spring scent, with the smoky note, which has a winter scent, in a way that neither of these 2 notes has an olfactory superiority over the other and the olfactory share of these 2 scents is completely 50% to 50%. I think it is quite innovative to create this scent and it can make those who only like fresh and juicy scents and have the problem of what perfume to use in the cold seasons of the year that has both a refreshing smell and a winter mood very happy, because there is very few such perfume styles in the world of perfumes. عطری با رایحه‌ای منحصر به فرد. در عین حال که تازه و فرش مانند است، ته‌مایه‌ای دودی و ملایم و زیبا نیز دارد کلایو کریستین به زیبایی توانسته است نت غالب یاس که رایحه‌ای بهاری دارد را با نت دودی که رایحه‌ای زمستانی دارد رو طوری با هم ترکیب کنه، به گونه‌ای که هیچ‌کدام از این دو نت بر دیگری برتری بویایی ندارند و سهم بویایی این دو رایحه کاملاً ۵۰ به ۵۰ درصد است به نظر من خلق این عطر کاملاً نوآورانه است و می‌توانه کسانی را که فقط رایحه‌های تازه و فرش را دوست دارند و مشکل این را دارند که در فصول سرد سال از چه عطری استفاده کنند که هم بوی طراوت‌بخش داشته باشد و هم حال و هوای زمستانی داشته باشه رو بسیار خوشحال کند، زیرا چنین سبک رایحه‌هایی در دنیای عطرها بسیار بسیار کم است

Matsukita is a fragrance that takes you on a subtle journey. At first, it’s hard to distinguish the individual notes—they’re blended so perfectly that it feels like a single, seamless experience. But after a while, as it develops, you start to realize what you’ve been smelling: the smooth tea, the soft musk, the elegant jasmine, and the delicate mate. It all comes together in such a refined way—it’s simply so good. I love wearing Matsukita, especially in the morning. It’s refreshing and uplifting, but it also has a calmness to it that sets the right tone for the day. The balance of florals, woods, spice and tea is energizing yet serene, its more than just a scent—it’s an experience. The only downside is the price. Even on discount, it feels way too expensive for just 50 ml. Honestly, it’s so good that it makes me think about robbing the Clive Christian factory and walking away with an entire batch (just kidding... or am I? 😄). Rating: 9/10 (deducting a point for the price) Best Time to Wear: Morning or peaceful moments, could shower in if I could Would I Repurchase: If my wallet agrees—or if I can figure out that robbery plan!

It opens with citrus and aromatic spices quickly giving way to a green tea with a noticeable leather in the back. Feels like an elegant Cuir de Russie with a herbal tea twist if you will. This has had so much hype in the middle east last couple of years or so it’s difficult for it to live up to it but it does just barely. Pricing is insane of the charts even at discounters this is like $260 for ml. Retail is a joke. Honestly, I find even the discounted pricing quite a stretch even if u arguably rank this 10/10. For context u could get the night by Frederic Malle for $660 - $700. A 100ml of this would run for $520... For this kind of money your looking at Areej Le Dore et al. Heck you could get an attar from Ensar Oud... Had they offered this in 200ml format for the ask closer to Chanel and LV pricing this would’ve been a total hit. I’m not a huge fan of clones but will check out Samam’s Red Prive and there’s another named Red Masked. CC could’ve made this into the next Torino21 hadn’t they been so greedy.

Matsukita Mom and Pop Asian markets that provides tastes of home away from home 🛖 The familiar whiff of asian snacks and abundance of jasmine tea and hints of green tea floating around, shrouded by old smokey cardboard that is strangely comforting. I also picture those small stand-like joints that you see in Japan with grandmas and grandpas selling knick knacks and snacks to kids during festivals; all the while people wearing kimonos are in the background enjoying life as incense floats throughout the streets It's a freshie smokey tea chypre, which is unheard of for me. Chypre is one of my fave profiles, and I never thought I'd find a variation like such That's what I think of for Matsukita, partially due to the name, history, and beautiful artwork of the presentation, but also due to my childhood. It's so simple and rugged, yet there's an air of elegance to it Longevity and projection is impressive for it's profile. Lasting 6-8hrs with good projection for 1-3hrs Definitely my favourite CC thus far

This on has a 25% perfume concentration, but this does not mean it is stronger than most other fragrances in the sense of silage or longevity. This one is an attempt to recreate a fragrance from 1892 that supposedly had 252 ingredients (I am getting this info from Clive Christian's description on their site). I do not find this one particularly complex or mysterious. But I love the way it smells. The Bergamot opening is simply marvelous, a wave that rises toward the heavens. It is light and softly crisp. The oakmoss then makes its entrance and it takes center stage. It brings us back to earth with its woody and earthy evocations. The bsss note is Mate Tea, but I find it pales in comparison to the two previous notes. If you want a scent that achieves sophistication and simplicity then this should be one to at least sample. Elegance is not achieved by endless ingredients, but by selecting the few that work well to create a portrait of the person wearing a work of high art.

Did you enjoy Nishane Wulóng Chá but feel like the tea note faded too quickly, with the drydown becoming overly dominated by white florals? Matsukita could be just what you’re after. It’s a tea fragrance that truly lasts and evolves gracefully on the skin, without giving off the synthetic edge found in some other Clive Christian scents. It leans slightly darker in character while still maintaining an airy quality, making it suitable even in spring and summer without feeling heavy. It’s not meant to be sharply fresh or energizing, but it carries a soft, refreshing quality that makes it effortlessly wearable. I appreciated the overall idea behind Wulóng Chá, but its drydown didn’t quite work for me. Matsukita, on the other hand, opens with a hint of leather, and as it develops, the tea notes slowly come forward. The result is a calm, soothing fragrance that works well year-round, ideal for relaxed moments or when you want something comforting.

Matsukita is one of those rare fragrances that actually follows its note pyramid. The opening feels like a game of light and dark - bright bergamot constantly interrupted by delicate flashes of nutmeg, pink pepper and the faintest hint of smoke. The smokiness appears and disappears behind the brightness, adding depth without ever dominating. As it develops, green mate and jasmine take over, while the incense remains quietly in the background. This is one of the few fragrances where the smoky accord feels truly refined instead of turning into a smoky barbecue. The drydown becomes soft and musky, wrapped in fresh balsam fir and gentle woods. Jasmine lingers throughout, while a subtle sparkling, almost bubblegum-like sweetness keeps everything vibrant. Elegant, beautifully balanced, and one of the few fragrances where every stage feels intentional and true to the composition.

At first, when I tried the vial with Town&Con, I was not impressed with Matsukita. But my darling kept hugging and praising this scent as wonderful. Then my feelings leaned towards this scent because my darling gave all the compliments every time I sprayed Matsukita on the metro on rainy days. The scent is quite luxurious, elegant and extremely attractive. But when I knew the price, I had to beg him to let me buy a full bottle because the price was too high. Even so, the price is high but it is worth it. I really like being close to him when I use this scent. Because I feel like my body scent and the scent is sexy and attracts him to hug me. I feel like I've taken over him mind with this Matsukita scent.

This is a true tea perfume. It smells like loose tea leaves. In the initial spray, I get the slight sweetness of Jasmine and a smoky scent. As it dries down the Jasmine softens and the mate emerges, it is a slow burn but deeply beautiful experience. It is a journey of artful enjoyment for a tea lover. The tea notes serenade, Gaiac tastefully tantalizes your nostril, and the musk pulls you in. It is a distant yet present, cold yet comforting, and peaceful scent. It is very regal, and absolutely smooth till the end. It has excellent longevity as it has a good oil concentration.

Opens with strong blast of bergamot & in the dry down it becomes woody tea accord. Performance is average. longevity 6-7 hours on skin, soft projection for 4 hours. after that becomes a skin scent. I got this performance with around 10 sprays. Not great considering the price. Would love to use it in summer & spring. I was impressed with the scent profile & ingredients quality but is it worth 330$ for 50ml? I do not think so unless money does not matter for you then it is a fantastic addition to any collection. I will try Adonis from Athena & make a comparison.

This smells gorgeous and elegant. It is expensive, yes. But, I do not need many sprays; 3 sprays are enough for me. It is something to appreciate, not to waste on. I wear this only when I am with the one that I love and when I am out with my closest friends. It is a beauty to share with those, who are meaningful to you. Smoky, woody, citrusy, jasmine tea, where all notes are in the right balance; not fighting with each other. So peaceful to smell on.

In my perfume collection this is the most unique one I think! I usually wear it in the evenings on special occasions! Its surely gets soooo many compliments always! Its so complex but in a good way, freshness with that unique tea scent and woodiness.. REAL MASTERPEACE that's for sure! No other perfume like Matsukita! Price is high but so does the quality of it! So its so worth it! And it screams confidence to me!

Beautiful, without a doubt. It's okay to disagree about whether you like this scent or not, but as a perfume connoisseur and an experienced seasoned nose, you should appreciate and value this scent. It combines luxury with humility, just like a prince with a strong personality who doesn't care about attracting attention and wants to pass by like a cloud.

In my opinion the majority of the Clive Christian fragrances are not worth their price tag. Some of them like for example Blonde Amber (which smells like an average designer's fragrance) is not worth not even a fraction of its price. But on the other hand there are a few masterpieces in this house. Matsukita is one of them, the other is X for men.

This smells like a more masculine, higher-quality take on Torino22. That’s not meant as a compliment or a criticism. Both fragrances have their own identity and strengths, but that was my immediate impression on first wear and it’s still the comparison that comes to mind every time I revisit it.

It's like walking in the tea field in the bright dewy morning. Jasmine trees growing side by side and blossoming plenty of flowers, while smoke from last night's bonfire flowing in the breeze. Just wonderfully crafted potion. So far, the nicest tea perfume i have ever smelled.

I originally just got a sample of this , which I thought was okay but not worth the money. I then managed to get a bottle at a much cheaper price, and oh my goodness, it’s bloody amazing. I generally love Clive Christian fragrances, but this is a masterpiece.