Retirement celebrations are for those who have dedicated many years of service to a company or organization. Gifts given with deep respect and gratitude for their journey so far, and with best wishes for their second chapter in life, are often "authentic handcrafted items" that hold special value.
And approximately half of those orders are for "Retirement Celebrations."
Because of our proven track record of being chosen by many customers for retirement gifts for many years, this time we will clearly explain why Edo Kiriko is chosen for retirement celebrations, how to select suitable glassware, the meaning of patterns, and proper etiquette for "Nosho" to avoid mistakes.
1. Why is "Edo Kiriko" continuously chosen for retirement gifts?
The reason why retirement celebration gifts consistently account for a large proportion of orders on Saiho's official online store is due to the sense of story and reliability that goes beyond merely being "expensive glassware."
The beautiful, sparkling cuts that reflect light symbolize "shining achievements and accomplishments to date." Furthermore, the intricate patterns meticulously hand-carved by artisans evoke a sense of the accumulated years and effort, instilling special pride in the recipient.
Moreover, the practicality of being able to use it daily for evening drinks or relaxation is another significant reason why it continues to be chosen as a gift for long-serving superiors, colleagues, and family members.
2. How to choose the right "glass shape," "pattern," and "color" for a retirement celebration gift
The most popular glassware shapes for retirement celebrations are the easy-to-hold "Old (rocks glass)" and "Mini Old," which beautifully showcase drinks, as well as "Sake Decanter Sets" to celebrate milestones.
Each of Saiho's traditional patterns (cut designs) carries auspicious meanings.
Recommended patterns (chosen by meaning)
- Hakkaku Kagome (octagonal basket weave) pattern: A pattern mimicking the weave of a bamboo basket. The number "eight" is considered auspicious for its widening shape, and it signifies warding off evil and opening up good fortune, making it ideal for wishing prosperity in one's second chapter of life.
- Yarai (bamboo fence) pattern: A linear pattern resembling a bamboo fence. It has the meaning of protecting oneself and warding off calamities, making it a favored gift for showing appreciation for past efforts and wishing for future health.
- Kikutsunagi (chrysanthemum chain) pattern: A delicate, top-tier cut featuring a chain of chrysanthemum flowers. It symbolizes "eternal youth and longevity" and "longevity and prosperity," conveying the wish for continued health.
■ Popular items actually chosen for retirement celebrations
At Saiho, the following items are mainly chosen for retirement celebrations, depending on the price range and the recipient's preferences.
・Ichimatsu (checkered) Pattern Old, Black (with wooden box)
A unique piece featuring the dignified Ichimatsu pattern, which signifies "prosperity" and "business expansion" due to its unbroken continuity, carved into black glass requiring the highest level of technique. The serene black cut exudes an overwhelming presence as a commemorative gift for special superiors and executives.
・Yarai Hoshie Pattern Old, Colorful (with wooden box)
A dazzling design combining the traditional Yarai pattern with a star-like sparkle. It gently reflects light in your hand, transforming your daily evening drink into a special and proud moment.
・Kenbishi Nanako Pattern Sake Decanter Set (with wooden box)
A sake decanter set, including a tokkuri (sake flask) and guinomi (sake cup), that will delight sake lovers as a retirement gift. The delicate cut woven from the "Nanako" (fish scale) pattern and "Kenbishi" will add color to the rich evening drinks of one's second chapter in life.
・Kenyarai Kasane Pattern Old, Purple (with wooden box)
A unique piece characterized by a cut inspired by "Yarai" (bamboo fence), which wards off evil and protects, and an elegant purple color. It possesses an exceptional dignity befitting a retirement gift that honors long years of service and wishes for future health.
3. [Many actual orders] "Nosho" (gift wrapping) and etiquette for a flawless retirement gift
Many customers ordering from Saiho use our "Nosho service." As it is a formal celebration, checking the etiquette beforehand can help you use the service with greater peace of mind.
Basic rules for Noshi paper
■ Omote-gaki (top part):
- "O-taishoku O-iwai" (御退職御祝) (for general retirement, this is the most frequently chosen inscription)
- "O-rei" (御礼) (for career changes, retirement due to personal reasons, or simply to express gratitude)
- "Shuku Teinen Taishoku" (祝 定年退職) (to clearly indicate a celebration of mandatory retirement)
■ Type of Mizuhiki: Choose red and white "chōmusubi (hana-musubi)" (bow knot). This mizuhiki signifies "something happy that can happen repeatedly" and is appropriate for celebrating a new beginning.
■ Sender (bottom part): It is customary to include the sender's name (individual name or "Yushi Ichido" (有志一同) / "〇〇-bu Ichido" (〇〇部一同) (e.g., "All volunteers," "All members of department 〇〇")).
■ Timing of gifting: The most elegant time to present the gift is on the day of the farewell party, or one week to a few days before the retirement date.
For detailed information on how to write Nosho and its etiquette, please refer to our article '[Official Q&A] 2. Edo Kiriko Gifting Etiquette | Correct Way to Write Noshi' on this website or Saiho's Gift and Noshi Information Page. Please check them out as well.
4. Summary: The Best "Thank You for Your Hard Work" with a Memorable Glass
Saiho's Edo Kiriko has been chosen for countless retirement celebrations. Each glass, meticulously crafted by skilled artisans with their heart and soul, becomes a lifelong keepsake, reminding the recipient of the warm thoughts and gratitude of those who gave it, every time they hold it.
With careful wrapping, a paulownia wood box, and your specified "Nosho," we will deliver your "thank you" and "thank you for your hard work" with the utmost brilliance.
Edo Kiriko Studio Saiho
