Wedding gifts are presented to couples embarking on a new chapter in life, with heartfelt blessings and wishes for their everlasting happiness. Edo Kiriko pair glasses, a traditional craft, are frequently chosen as special gifts to enrich their daily lives, gracing their dining tables and evening drinks with elegance.
Among these, a large number of pair glass orders are for "Wedding Celebrations" or "Wedding Anniversaries."
We'll answer common questions about choosing wedding gifts, such as "Is it rude to give breakable items like glasses as a wedding gift?", "What are the popular pair combinations and meanings of patterns?", and "What are the proper 'Nosho' etiquette for wedding gifts?" in an easy-to-understand official Q&A format.
1. Why are "Edo Kiriko Pair Glasses" chosen for wedding gifts?
Edo Kiriko pair glasses continue to be chosen for wedding gifts not merely as "luxury tableware," but because they embody a story and practicality that symbolize the bond between a couple.
The beautiful cuts, meticulously carved by hand, shimmer and sparkle in the light, symbolizing "the couple's brilliant future." The overwhelming splendor upon opening the paulownia box delivers an exceptional sense of joy for such a celebratory gift.
Beyond being decorative, they are practical commemorative items that can be used daily for meals, evening drinks, or weekend tea times. We frequently receive feedback such as "I was truly delighted to receive this" and "I cherish and use it every day."
2. [Etiquette Guide] Is it acceptable to give glasses (breakable items) as a wedding gift?
Some people worry that "breakable items like glasses or ceramics might symbolize separation and be considered bad luck," based on old traditions. However, in modern bridal gifting, glasses and pair tableware are among the most popular and cherished staple items.
Positive connotations in modern times
- "Sharing Light": The way glass reflects and shines light is seen as a symbol of illuminating the couple's bright future.
- "Increase in Numbers / Prosperity of Descendants": As glass shards multiply when broken, the auspicious interpretation of "prosperity of descendants" and "growing family" has become established in celebrations abroad and in modern times.
- Durability through Craftsmanship: Handcrafted vessels made from high-quality glass by dedicated artisans, when cared for, can be cherished for a lifetime.
From an etiquette perspective, there are absolutely no issues, so you can confidently choose them as a celebratory gift.
3. Pair Color Combinations and Auspicious "Traditional Patterns"
Saihou's pair glasses offer a wide variety of combinations, from classic traditional pairings to modern colors that suit contemporary lifestyles.
Popular Pair Color Combinations
- Ruri & Aka (Classic & Most Popular): The quintessential pairing, like a set of couple's teacups. The contrast between the traditional Japanese colors of blue (Ruri) and red (Kin-Aka) creates a special sense of celebration.
- Murasaki & Murasaki: A pair in a noble and calm purple. Popular among sophisticated, mature couples and those who prefer modern interiors.
- Blue Pink & Blue Pink: A gradient color that combines freshness and tenderness. A vibrant pair that brightens up the hands.
- Blue Pink & Pink Green: A modern style combining different nuanced colors. Chosen as a stylish pair that highlights each other's individuality.
Meanings of Patterns Suitable for Wedding Gifts
- Hakkaku Kagome (Octagonal Basket Weave) Pattern: A pattern mimicking the weave of a bamboo basket. "Hachi" (eight) signifies prosperity and good fortune, warding off evil and opening up new paths, making it perfect for wishing for the prosperity of a new family.
- Yarai (Bamboo Fence) Pattern: A linear pattern resembling a bamboo fence. It carries the meaning of "protecting oneself" from enemies and calamities, expressing wishes for good health and protection in their future life.
- Shippo (Seven Treasures) Pattern / Kikutsunagi (Chrysanthemum Chain) Pattern: Symbolizing harmony, eternal connection, and longevity, these patterns convey wishes for the couple's enduring harmony and happiness.
■ Recommended Pair Glasses Chosen for Wedding Gifts
Here are some items from Saihou's official online store that are frequently ordered as wedding gifts.
・M-131-2 Tsuruyaraijū Mon'yō Mini Old Pair (in Wooden Box)
A classic pair of Ruri and Aka glasses featuring the "Yarai pattern" that wards off evil and protects. These mini-old size glasses fit comfortably in the palm of your hand and are a popular gift for a wide range of occasions, such as cold sake, tea, or whiskey.
・M-58-2 Yarai Kagome Mon'yō Mini Old Pair (in Wooden Box)
An extremely auspicious pair of glasses combining the "Yarai" pattern to ward off misfortune and the "Kagome" (basket weave) pattern for warding off evil and prosperity. The vibrant colors of Ruri and Aka and the intricate cuts elevate any celebratory occasion.
・M-8573-2BP Kenbishi Hoshi Mon'yō Mini Old Pair (in Wooden Box)
A beautiful blue-pink gradient pair, engraved with the "Star pattern" that radiates a dazzling brilliance like stars, and the "Kenbishi" pattern. The fantastical colors softly reflect light, romantically enhancing special evening drinks.
・M-7571-2BP Kenbishi Hoshi Mon'yō Guinomi Pair (in Wooden Box)
A palm-sized guinomi (sake cup) pair, perfect for couples who love sake. The delicate cuts shine through the pale, lovely blue-pink colored glass, exquisitely enhancing the aroma and taste of ginjo-shu.
4. [Important] "Nosho" (Gift Wrap) Etiquette for Wedding Gifts: Don't Make Mistakes
Wedding gifts significantly differ in the type of "mizuhiki" (decorative cord) from retirement celebrations or longevity celebrations. This is the most crucial aspect of etiquette for celebratory occasions, so please confirm it in advance.
Basic Rules for Wedding Gift "Nosho Paper"
■ Type of Mizuhiki: Red and white, 10-strand "Musubikiri (flat knot)"
- Key Point: For retirement or longevity celebrations, "chōmusubi" (bow knot) is used because these events are "happy to occur many times." However, for wedding gifts, to signify "once tied, never untied = lifelong partnership," always use the firmly tied "musubikiri." Also, to celebrate the bond of two individuals, the formal number of mizuhiki strands is "10," double the standard 5.
■ Omote-gaki (Top section):
- "Gokekkon Oiwai" (御結婚御祝) (Most standard and polite inscription)
- "Kotobuki" (寿) (Widely used as a more formal inscription for auspicious occasions)
- "Oiwai" (御祝) (For simply conveying congratulatory feelings)
■ Sender (Bottom section): Write the sender's name (individual name, married couple's joint names, group of friends, colleagues, etc.).
■ Timing of Giving: It is customary to deliver the gift after receiving the wedding invitation, one to two months before the ceremony, and at the latest, one week before the ceremony. Avoid bringing large gifts on the day of the ceremony, as it can burden the bride and groom.
For detailed information on how to write noshi, the order of names for joint gifts, and the difference between uchi-noshi (inner noshi) and soto-noshi (outer noshi), please refer to our article '[Official Q&A] 2 Edo Kiriko Gifting Etiquette | Correct Way to Write Noshi' or Saihou's Gift and Noshi Information Page. Please check them out as well.
5. Summary: A Lifelong Radiance for a New Beginning
Each Saihou Edo Kiriko pair glass is painstakingly cut by artisans who pour their heart and soul into their work. We carefully package them in a dedicated paulownia wooden box and present them with the heartfelt "musubikiri" noshi you specify.
Why not convey your utmost blessings for their brilliant new life together with a treasured heirloom that allows them to affirm their bond every time they hold it?
Edo Kiriko Studio Saihou
