Gold ornament in the form of a wild goose on reeds

Object Details

Label: Objects made of gold are uncommon in Japan, where other symbols of prestige and value, such as calligraphy or ceramic tea bowls, often took precedence. During the Edo period (1615-1868), the government regulated the display of wealth. Gold objects became the privilege of the uppermost social classes or the secret treasures of wealthy merchants. This gold goose sleeping on reeds reflects the Japanese taste for naturalistic representation. The ornament may have been displayed in the tokonoma or used as a luxurious paper weight on a writing desk. The fine workmanship reflects the artistry of its creator, a prominent maker of sword fittings.
Collection: Freer Gallery of Art Collection
Exhibition History: Moonlight and Clouds: Silver and Gold in the Arts of Japan (November 11, 2008 to November 11, 2009); Gold: The Asian Touch (September 10, 2005 to February 20, 2006); Japanese Ukiyo-e Painting (May 2, 1973 to July 1, 1974); Japanese Art, Galleries 3, 4, and 5 (January 1, 1963 to September 16, 1970); Ukiyo-e Exhibition (August 7, 1961 to January 1, 1963); Hokusai Bicentennial Exhibition (March 30, 1960 to August 16, 1961)

Medium: Cast gold, with hammering, chasing, engraving, and repoussé
Dimensions: H x W x D (assembled): 3.6 x 8.5 x 4.4 cm (1 7/16 x 3 3/8 x 1 3/4 in)

Related Online Resources: Google Cultural Institute
See more items in: Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery Collection

Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery

Topic: casting; chasing; repoussé; hammering; engraving (incising); metal; gold; goose; Edo period (1615 - 1868); Japan; Japanese Art

GUID (Link to Original Record): http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ye368cd3ad5-92e0-403b-b8c1-05e6b3937d27