Matsu Takaoka Perfume burnerThis magnificent Matsu perfume burner is made of bronze from Takaoka, in the Toyama prefecture of Japan.

“The three friends that grow in wintertime” are depicted together to form a good omen: pine, plum and bamboo.  Pine, which resists the cold in winter, symbolises immortality and steadfastness; the plum, which flowers before the snow melts, represents courage and rebirth; the bamboo, supple and resistant, represents loyalty.