Hibiki 35-year-old Arita ware polychrome painted peony and butterfly cylindrical bottle acquired in Hong Kong at a high price
Regular price $999,999.00(Get a quote now)
Hibiki 35 Year Old Arita-yaki Iroe Peony and Butterfly Cylindrical Bottle: A Masterpiece of Iroe Craftsmanship
Arita-yaki "Iroe" (色絵) is a traditional craft originating from the early Edo period, where colorful glazes such as red, yellow, green, and purple are applied to a white porcelain base to paint patterns, then fired at low temperatures. The Hibiki 35 Year Old Iroe Peony and Butterfly Cylindrical Bottle features traditional auspicious motifs of peonies and butterflies, symbolizing wealth and beauty, painted on its body. The cylindrical shape retains the rustic form of traditional Arita-yaki. Paired with the longest-aged 35-year-old whisky from the Suntory Hibiki series, this is a top-tier art collectible.
Hibiki Brand and Market Background
Hibiki is Suntory's flagship series of blended whiskies, expertly crafted by the chief blender using raw spirits from three major distilleries: Yamazaki (malt), Hakushu (malt), and Chita (grain).
Several age statements of the Hibiki series (12-year, 17-year, 21-year, 30-year) have been discontinued or their supply significantly reduced, leading to a continuous shrinking of annual market circulation and a steady rise in secondary market prices.
During the maturation process of high-aged whiskies (35 years and above), approximately 2-4% of the liquid evaporates annually due to the "Angel's Share." This means that the final bottled liquid is only a fraction of what was initially barreled—the older the vintage, the greater the loss and the higher the rarity.
This page focuses on the appreciation points and market identification logic for Iroe craftsmanship.
Key Appreciation Points for Iroe Craftsmanship
| Observation Dimension | Top Condition | Common Deductions |
| Overglaze Luster | Bright colors, shiny luster, no fading. | Long-term sun exposure causing loss of glaze luster, red glaze oxidizing and darkening. |
| Brushstrokes | Delicate hand-painted brushstrokes, each slightly unique. | Broken lines, glaze accumulation spots. |
| Pattern Completeness | Clear layers of peony petals, distinct butterfly wing patterns. | Pattern wear, scratches. |
| White Porcelain Base | Pure white, no yellowing. | Yellowed base color, residual fingerprints or oil stains. |
Traditional Meanings of Peony and Butterfly Theme
| Element | Symbolism | Extension in Bottle Design |
| Peony | King of flowers, symbol of wealth and prosperity. | Visual focal point on the front of the bottle. |
| Butterfly | Symbol of longevity and beauty. | Light secondary theme, balancing the weight of the peony. |
| Cylindrical Bottle | Rustic form, symbolizing the passage of time. | Echoes the temporal significance of 35 years of aging. |
Selling Process
- WhatsApp Photos for Quote: Take 5 photos (front, back, neck fill level, bottom, outer box) and send them to 46135750. Our team will reply with a reference price range on the same day.
- Arrange Transaction: On-site appraisal or store appraisal can be arranged for Hong Kong, Kowloon, New Territories, Outlying Islands, and Macau. After confirming the condition on the spot, immediate settlement can be made via cash or FPS.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the difference between Iroe Peony and Butterfly and Sometsuke Peony and Butterfly (the blue one)?
A: They belong to different crafts. Iroe uses multi-color overglaze painting, while Sometsuke uses underglaze blue cobalt. Their visual styles and market positioning are completely different, and their valuations also differ significantly. It is recommended to sell them separately.
Q: The red glaze is slightly oxidized and darkened. Does it significantly affect the value?
A: Red glaze oxidation is a common aging phenomenon in Iroe ceramics. Mild darkening is acceptable to collectors; however, if there is a large area of luster loss, the valuation will be significantly lowered.
WhatsApp Instant Quote: 46135750
More Hibiki Models for Collection
There are often significant price differences between different batches and label versions of the same vintage within the Hibiki series. Here are the Hibiki models we are actively purchasing, for comparison with the market range of your version:
- HIBIKI Hibiki 21 Year Airport Edition Buyback Price
- Hibiki HIBIKI 30 Year Arita-yaki Meisui Yokoku-mon Purple Glaze Chini-gata Bottle Buyback Price List
- Long-term Purchase of Hibiki Hibiki 21 Year Arita-yaki Iroe Kachō-mon Chasen-gata Bottle Buyback Price
- HIBIKI Hibiki 21 Year Kutani-yaki Iroe Kasumi-Tsuru-mon Shitamoe-gata Bottle Buyback Price
- HIBIKI Hibiki 21 Year Arita-yaki Iroe Botan-mon Hyōtan-gata Bottle Buyback Price
Extended Information on Hibiki Buyback
To learn more about market trends for various vintages and versions of Hibiki, please browse View all Hibiki Hibiki vintages, and you can refer to Japanese Whisky Buyback Models List, or enter the Japanese Whisky Compendium series.
First time selling? We recommend referring to the FAQ, contact an expert for appraisal, or directly learn about Whisky Century's 8 years of practical experience.
This whisky was aged in oak barrels, with a fusion of barrel and malt aromas, presenting the typical complexity of a single malt whisky.
Flavor description: Floral and a hint of honey on the nose, vanilla and cinnamon from the oak barrel in the mid-palate, with a long finish featuring a light smokiness.
This is a single malt Scotch whisky, crafted with meticulous artistry by the distillery, making it a popular choice in the collection and tasting market.
This is a highly sought-after single malt whisky in the market, known for its consistent craftsmanship and both collection and tasting value.
