Gold ornament in the form of a wild goose on reeds

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.