A Gourd Shaped Flask: Lacquered Woven Paper

mid nineteenth century
6 3/4" x 4" x 6 1/2", 17 cm x 10 cm x 16.5 cm

This is a flask that is woven from paper yarns, formed into the shape of a gourd and then lacquered and decorated with red lacquer maple leaves. Its stopper and cord are both missing.

Such a flask might have contained water, but as dried gourds were hollowed out and use to contain sake for celebrations, it is likely this late Edo period object was used for that purpose. This kind of lacquered paper, gourd-shaped flask is of a type, however this one has a decidedly goose-like presence and it seems intentional. 

In Japanese lore, the goose symbolizes the arrival of autumn, seasonal change and, when depicted in pairs, marital bliss. This rich set of meaning is beautiful to contemplate and no doubt could have served as inspiration for this antique object.

By looking at its surface we seems some abrasion which tells us it was used by its owner or owners. Its condition, therefore, is good but used and its presence is definitely an appealing one.

It is a beautiful object with great age and it is made of wonderfully curious materials.

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