Netsuke: Goose and swallow, 19th century
Japanese
Ivory, metal alloy, mother–of–pearl, tortoiseshell; H. 5/8 in. (1.6 cm), Diam. 1 11/16 in. (4.3 cm)
Gift of Mrs. Russell Sage, 1910 (10.211.1276)
On the obverse of this manju-shaped netsuke, a goose of gold and copper alloy hovers over chrysanthemums and other autumn grasses of inlaid mother-of-pearl and tortoiseshell. On the reverse, similar materials are arranged to render a swallow as it gazes above at hanging wisteria. Seasonal motifs are a favored theme in Japanese art.
