Incense Container (Kōgō) with Camellia and Mandarin Ducks

18th century

Not on view

On the lid of this small maki-e (“sprinkled picture”) decorated incense container, two mandarin ducks are depicted in a stylized landscape under a blossoming camellia tree. In East Asia, mandarin ducks symbolize a perfect couple and represent marital fidelity and conjugal affection. The birds were portrayed in paintings, prints, decorative arts, plays, poetry, and prose.

The drake depicted on the rock has brightly colored plumage, which is distinct from the hen’s brown feathers. Being winter birds, mandarin ducks remain after other fowl have migrated to a warmer climate, and the pair clings to each other throughout the hardship of winter.

Artwork Details

Object Information

Overview

Provenance

椿鴛鴦蒔絵香合
Title: Incense Container (Kōgō) with Camellia and Mandarin Ducks
Period: Edo period (1615–1868)
Date: 18th century
Culture: Japan
Medium: Lacquered wood with gold, silver takamaki-e, hiramaki-e, cut-out gold foil application, and coral and ivory inlay
Dimensions: H. 1 in. (2.5 cm); W. 2 7/8 in. (7.3 cm); L. 3 5/8in. (9.2 cm)
Classification: Lacquer
Credit Line: Gift of Mrs. George A. Crocker (Elizabeth Masten), 1937
Object Number: 38.25.181a, b
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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