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: Why It's a Target for Top Collectors
This bottle is rare for two reasons. Firstly, the Hibiki series tops out at 35 years for current releases, and the high-aged original whiskies available for such limited editions are inherently scarce. Secondly, the bottle itself is crafted using Arita-yaki "Iroe" (色絵) techniques—hand-painted with vibrant glazes of red, yellow, green, and purple on white porcelain, then fired at low temperatures, a craft originating from the early Edo period. The peony and butterfly motifs symbolize traditional good fortune, complemented by the rustic cylindrical shape. Each bottle bears the subtle differences of hand-painting. The whisky itself is a masterful blend of top-aged vintages, and the bottle is a stand-alone Iroe art piece. The combination makes it a long-sought-after item by top collectors in the secondary market.
About Hibiki and Suntory
Hibiki is Suntory's flagship blended whisky, not a single malt. The liquid is a blend of malt whiskies carefully selected by the chief blender from the Yamazaki and Hakushu distilleries, combined with grain whisky from the Chita distillery, emphasizing overall balance and complexity. For a 35-year-old expression, the amount of old stock available for blending is extremely limited. Additionally, during the long maturation period in casks, approximately 2% to 4% evaporates annually due to the "Angel's Share." The longer the aging period, the greater the loss, naturally resulting in fewer bottles produced. This page focuses on the appreciation and identification points of the Iroe craftsmanship, helping owners of this bottle prepare for resale.
Key Appreciation Points for Iroe Craftsmanship
| Observation Dimension | Optimal Condition | Common Deductions |
| Overglaze Luster | Vibrant colors, lustrous shine, no fading. | Loss of luster on glaze due to prolonged sun exposure, red glaze oxidizing and darkening. |
| Brushstrokes | Delicate hand-painted brushstrokes, subtle variations in each bottle. | Broken lines, accumulated glaze dots. |
| Pattern Integrity | Clear layering of peony petals, distinct butterfly wing patterns. | Pattern wear, scratches. |
| White Porcelain Base | Pure white, no yellowing. | Yellowed base, residual fingerprints or oil stains. |
Traditional Meanings of Peony and Butterfly Motif
| 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 | Longevity, beauty. | Light and airy secondary theme, balancing the peony's gravitas. |
| Cylindrical Bottle | Rustic shape, symbolizing the passage of time. | Echoes the 35-year aging process. |
Main Factors Affecting Resale Value
| Assessment Item | Optimal Condition | Common Deductions |
| Original Paulownia Wood Box | Box intact, emblem clear, lining free from moisture. | No box, damaged box corners, mold. |
| Porcelain Bottle Condition | Complete painted luster, no chips or glaze damage. | Glaze wear, bottle dents. |
