Onshi no Konpeitō (恩賜の金平糖) or Onshikonpeitō (恩賜金平糖) are small boxes of konpeitō candy given as gifts by the Japanese emperor or on behalf of the emperor.[1]
Onshino Konpeitō was given out by the 1890s, for example on the occasions of marriages, enthronements, or other auspicious events.[2][3]
Konpeitō is given in elaborate small boxes called bonbonniere (ボンボニエール bonboniēru), from the French bonbonnière, meaning "candy box".[4] The practice of giving bonbonnieres dates back to the commemoration ceremony of the Meiji Constitution in 1889 and has since been thought to be a symbol of good luck. The Japanese Imperial Family has used this gift as the official "Welcome" gift continuously for over 130 years.[5][6][7][8]
Another form of imperial gifts that emerged at the same time were the Onshino Tabako products, however this ceased in 2006.
References
- 皇室の菓子器「ボンボニエール」｜農畜産業振興機構 農畜産業振興機構, retrieved 2022-01-26^
- 皇室の引き出物にもなっている由緒あるお菓子「金平糖」に注目！ 糖で生活を健やかに, retrieved 2022-01-26^
- 皇室の菓子器「ボンボニエール」｜農畜産業振興機構 農畜産業振興機構, retrieved 2022-01-26^