Focus on this artwork and explain the Description.
The pair of boxes (Kōgō) were used to hold sticks of incense, used in Zen Buddhist ceremonies. The two boxes are shaped like mandarin ducks (Aix galericulata), which were considered symbols of marital bliss and fidelity. Both the ducks and their stand are made from wood covered in gold lacquer. The top of the stand is decorated with groups of pond plants.
The ducks were donated to the Metropolitan Museum of Art as part of the bequest of Benjamin Altman in 1913.
Kōgō incense Zen Buddhist Benjamin Altman lacquer Metropolitan Museum of Art mandarin ducks Zen