Also, it's not like the boxes right now are generic mass market products. They are specifically tailored to the measurements of the cups and have handwritten calligraphy on them. That's pretty nice already!
Regarding fancier boxes, be it higher grade of wood or adding the tie, I think that the value of the box should be proportionate to the value and exclusivity of the Hagi piece.
So basically what I think it comes down to is "the fancier the Hagi, the fancier the box should be".
Below $100 (maybe/probably more) however I don't think the box needs to be any different from the way it is now.
One the other hand, a super special and expensive piece of Hagi-yaki should probably not come in an "entry level" box.
EDIT:
...oh and if you ever want to go all out and want to get a more expensive SO made, I'm sure you'll find enough people who'll be on board for it.Chip wrote:I will pick a few brains out there as well, make sure I am somewhat grounded in this HagiMania.
If it gets above a certain price though, you might want to involve interested people (a little) when it comes to determining the look of the pieces. It wouldn't be too great to have Mago sit on crazy expensive pieces people don't like enough to buy them in the end (if that's possible).
Anyway, loving that Hagi SOs are a regular thing and that there's no end in sight!