Object Details
Artist
Kono Haruaki 河野春明 (1787-1859)
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)
Credit Line
Purchase — Charles Lang Freer Endowment
Date
19th century
Period
Edo period
Accession Number
F1955.23a-f
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
Sculpture
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)
Origin
Tokyo, Japan
Related Online Resources
Google Arts & Culture
See more items in
National Museum of Asian Art
Data Source
National Museum of Asian Art
Topic
casting
chasing
repoussé
hammering
engraving (incising)
metal
gold
goose
Edo period (1615 - 1868)
Japan
Japanese Art
Link to Original Record
Record ID
fsg_F1955.23a-f