Recycling of HIBIKI Hibiki 21-year-old Arita-colored 絵絵游bunmaru bottle
Regular price $999,999.00(Get a quote now)
Hibiki 21-Year Arita Ware Iroe Sekirei Marubin: The Wagtail, a Spring Bird in Classical Japanese Poetry
"Sekirei" (wagtail) is a spring motif frequently found in classical Japanese waka poetry. The Kojiki also contains an anecdote where the wagtail teaches the Japanese gods the "way of marriage," thus the wagtail also symbolizes marital harmony and prosperity of offspring. "Marubin" refers to a standard spherical bottle, a common shape in the Hibiki 21-year ceramic bottle series, characterized by its roundness, elegance, and lack of sharp edges.
Hibiki Brand and Market Background
Hibiki is Suntory's flagship blended whisky series, crafted by the chief blender from carefully selected raw spirits from the three major distilleries: Yamazaki (malt), Hakushu (malt), and Chita (grain).
Several vintages of the Hibiki series (12-year, 17-year, 21-year, 30-year) have either been discontinued or had their supply significantly reduced, leading to a continuous shrinking of annual market circulation and a steady increase in secondary market prices.
The 21-year maturation period allows the liquid to fully absorb the flavors of the oak barrel while maintaining sufficient character of the original spirit, making it a "golden age range" according to many collectors.
Elements of the Thematic Pattern
| Element | Cultural Allusion | Visual Presentation |
| Wagtail (Sekirei) | Kojiki anecdote, symbol of marriage | Black and white coloration, long-tailed bird body |
| Spring Vegetation | Background element | Light dabs of pastel colors |
| Negative Space | Sense of space | Highlights the wagtail as the main subject |
| Marubin (Round Bottle) | Round and well-proportioned | Spherical bottle body, no sharp edges |
Appreciation of Form and Craftsmanship
| Aspect | Optimal Condition | Notes |
| Wagtail Posture | Lively and spirited, natural pose | Reflects the artisan's skill in depicting bird postures |
| Black and White Contrast | Clean black lines, pure white background | The wagtail's coloring is key to visual identification |
| Marubin Roundness | Perfectly round, no deformation | Spherical bottles are difficult to fire; slight ovality is normal |
| Kiln Marks on Base | Both Arita Ware and Hibiki series marks present |
Selling Process
- Initial Photo Evaluation: Send five-angle photos of the bottle to 46135750 via WhatsApp, along with any version information you know.
- Arrange Collection: We can meet in person at your location or our store in Hong Kong, Kowloon, New Territories, Outlying Islands, or Macau. After authentication, payment will be made immediately in cash/FPS.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the difference between the wagtail and other bird motifs (e.g., crane, quail)?
A: Cranes symbolize longevity, quails symbolize peace, and wagtails symbolize marital harmony; they have different cultural meanings, and their buyer demographics also differ.
Q: Is the marubin suitable for long-term display?
A: The marubin is round and without sharp edges, making it relatively less prone to bumps, and thus one of the more suitable shapes for display among ceramic bottles. However, it is still recommended to place it in a stable display cabinet.
WhatsApp for instant quote: 46135750
More Hibiki Models for Collection
There are often significant price differences between different batches and label versions of the Hibiki series from the same vintage. Below is a list of Hibiki models we actively collect, making it easy to compare the market range of your version:
- Professional Valuation and Collection of Hibiki Harmony WorldHouse Whisky
- Professional Valuation and Collection of Japanese Whisky - Hibiki 35-Year Arita Ware Sometsuke Botanchozu Cylindrical Bottle
- HIBIKI 30-Year Kinka Whisky Valuation
- HIBIKI 21-Year Kutani Ware Yoshidaya-style Kachozu Square Bottle Valuation
- HIBIKI 17-Year Shirasagi Limited Edition Whisky Collection
Extended Information on Hibiki Collection
To learn more about the market trends for various vintages and versions of Hibiki, you can browse more Hibiki collection models, and refer to the list of Japanese whisky collection models, or enter the Japanese Whisky Encyclopedia series.
First time selling? We recommend referring to the Whisky Collection FAQ, contacting a whisky expert for a valuation, or directly learning about the Whiskey Team.
This spirit has been aged in oak barrels, blending barrel flavors with malt aromas, presenting the typical complexity of a single malt whisky.
Flavor description: Opens with floral and fruity notes and a hint of honey, followed by vanilla and cinnamon from the oak barrel in the mid-palate, and a long finish with a light smokiness.
