Many people choose "Edo Kiriko," a traditional Japanese craft with enduring value and established prestige, as a gift to commemorate "decorations and commendations" that recognize great achievements for the nation and society, and "appointments, promotions, and transfers" that are the culmination of years of skill and trust. These gifts are given with the utmost respect for their brilliant accomplishments and in prayer for their continued success.
We prepare items with the highest level of formality befitting executive appointments and decorations, and deliver them nationwide.
This article provides an easy-to-understand explanation, in an official Q&A format, of key points for choosing gifts in formal business and public settings, such as "What is the appropriate vessel grade and pattern for decorations or executive appointments?" and "How do I choose the correct noshi inscription and mizuhiki to avoid mistakes?"
1. Why is "Edo Kiriko" chosen for decorations and executive appointment celebrations?
Edo Kiriko continues to be chosen for commemorative occasions marking the pinnacle of one's life and business career for three main reasons:
- The art of light, symbolizing "brilliant achievements": The intricate cuts meticulously carved by skilled craftsmen sparkle brilliantly when they catch the light. They possess a dignity befitting the culmination of accumulated effort and achievement.
- "Special wooden or paulownia boxes" guaranteeing formality: All of Saiko's Edo Kiriko pieces are delivered in elegant, dedicated wooden or paulownia boxes. This ensures they present as formal and appropriate gifts.
- Practicality that transforms evening drinks into exquisite moments: Beyond being a mere keepsake, their usability for daily enjoyment by pouring whiskey or sake is another reason why they are deeply appreciated by busy executives.
2. How to choose the appropriate vessel shape, color, and pattern (by occasion)
By selecting the optimal design and color scheme according to the nature of the celebration, you can convey even deeper respect and wishes for good fortune.
① Celebrations for Decorations and Commendations
Cut old glasses, boasting the highest level of craftsmanship, and purple vessels, symbolizing nobility, are exceptionally special. In particular, the "Kiku-tsunagi (chrysanthemum chain) pattern," modeled after the chrysanthemum, a symbol of the Imperial Family, and the delicate "Shippo (seven treasures) pattern" are considered the most formal patterns for commemorative gifts celebrating national honors and longevity.
② Celebrations for Executive Appointments, Promotions, and Transfers
"Kuro Old" (black Kiriko), which exudes overwhelming gravitas and serene beauty, and deep lapis lazuli or amber rock glasses are preferred. The "Ichimatsu (checkerboard) pattern," which represents continuity and wishing for business growth and expansion, and the "Hachikaku-kagome (octagonal basket weave) pattern," which symbolizes opening up good fortune, are ideal.
③ Appointment/Promotion Celebrations for Executives and Mentors who Enjoy Alcohol
High-quality "guinomi" (sake cups) that fit in the palm of your hand, or luxurious "guinomi sets" are highly popular as gifts that elevate the experience of daily evening drinks.
■ Recommended Edo Kiriko chosen for decorations, executive appointments, and promotions
We introduce items from Saiko's official online store that are frequently requested as formal commemorative gifts.
・M-250 Kiku-tsunagi Pattern Old Glass Ruri (in paulownia box)
A masterpiece luxuriously adorned with the "Kiku-tsunagi (chrysanthemum chain) pattern," requiring the highest level of Edo Kiriko craftsmanship. The finely carved cuts emit a kaleidoscopic sparkle, making it a top-tier old glass in a paulownia box, suitable for honorable decorations and special appointment celebrations.
・M-190 Shippo Pattern Tenkai Guinomi (in wooden box)
A guinomi adorned with the auspicious Shippo (seven treasures) pattern, which signifies "harmony" and "eternal prosperity" due to its infinitely connecting and expanding circles. The elegant open-mouthed shape, which allows the aroma of sake to spread, and the beauty of its sharp cuts, make it a special sake vessel for promotion and appointment celebrations, offering a luxurious solo drinking experience.
・M-8260BK Hachikaku-kagome Pattern Old Glass Black (in wooden box)
Black Kiriko with an octagonal basket-weave pattern carved into opaque black glass using extremely advanced techniques. Combining gravitas with a dignified presence, it has gained immense popularity as a commemorative item that enhances the leadership presence of those appointed as executives or presidents.
・M-086-5 Ken-hishi Hoshi Pattern Guinomi Set of 5 (in wooden box)
A vibrant set of five guinomi in various traditional colors (lapis lazuli, red, purple, green, yellow) with a star pattern. This luxurious set adds splendor to celebration banquets and is highly valued for entertaining guests or as a collection.
3. [Important] "Noshi" and Gift Etiquette to Avoid Mistakes
It is crucial to observe proper etiquette, especially for business or public celebrations.
Basic Rules for Noshi Paper and Gifting
■ Type of Mizuhiki: Red and white "Chomusubi (Hanamusubi)" (bow-knot)
- The bow-knot, which can be untied and re-tied multiple times, is used to wish for "many happy celebrations" and "further success."
■ Omotegaki (Top inscription):
- For Decorations/Commendations: "Syokun Oiwai" (Celebration of Decoration), "Iwai Kyokujitsu Shokuju Sho" (Celebration of the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette - ※Award name), "Go Jushou Oiwai" (Celebration of Receiving Award), "Oiwai" (Celebration)
- For Executive Appointments/Promotions: "Go Shunin Oiwai" (Celebration of Appointment), "Iwai Torishimariyaku Go Shunin" (Celebration of Appointment as Director), "Go Shoshin Oiwai" (Celebration of Promotion), "Go Eiten Oiwai" (Celebration of Transfer), "Oiwai" (Celebration)
■ Sender (Bottom): Specify the title and company name according to the relationship, such as "Personal Name," "○○ Department Staff," "Volunteers," or "○○ Co., Ltd. Representative Director ○○."
■ Timing of Giving: For appointments/promotions, it is customary to deliver the gift within 1-2 weeks after the official announcement or appointment. For decorations, it is customary after the award announcement (or on the day of the celebration party).
For detailed information on how to write noshi, the order of names for joint gifts, and the difference between Uchinoshiga and Sotonoshiga, please refer to our article "[Official Q&A] 2 Edo Kiriko Gifting Etiquette | Correct Noshi Writing" and Saiko's Gift and Noshi Information Page.
■ For Corporate General Affairs and Commemorative Project Managers (Inquiries for Founding Anniversaries and Bulk Orders)
Saiko accepts bulk orders (tens to hundreds of items) for corporate founding anniversaries, milestone projects, long-service awards, and other corporate and large-scale needs. We offer flexible support, including item proposals based on your budget, issuance of estimates and invoices (invoice system compliant), and individual delivery.
For Corporations: Information and estimates for founding/anniversary commemorative gifts here4. Summary: Conveying the Highest Respect for Great Achievements
Saiko's Edo Kiriko, meticulously crafted by skilled artisans, is delivered in a dedicated wooden or paulownia box, carefully adorned with the specified noshi inscription. Please consider it the finest gift to honor their brilliant accomplishments and wish for their continued future success.
Edo Kiriko Studio Saiko
