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Wedding Goose (Kirogi)

Asian Art

Shortly before a traditional Korean wedding, the future groom presented a pair of carved wood ducks or geese to the parents of the future bride. The wood ducks replaced an earlier tradition in which the groom brought live birds. The birds, one male and one female, represent the future couple; the symbolism is particularly appropriate because many types of ducks and geese mate for life. The pair of ducks was displayed during the wedding and then later in the home of the new couple.
MEDIUM Wood with traces of ink
  • Place Made: Korea
  • DATES 19th century
    DYNASTY Joseon Dynasty
    DIMENSIONS 9 3/4 x 5 1/4 x 13 3/4 in. (24.8 x 13.3 x 35 cm)  (show scale)
    COLLECTIONS Asian Art
    ACCESSION NUMBER 86.140
    CREDIT LINE Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Alastair B. Martin, the Guennol Collection
    MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view
    CAPTION Wedding Goose (Kirogi), 19th century. Wood with traces of ink, 9 3/4 x 5 1/4 x 13 3/4 in. (24.8 x 13.3 x 35 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Alastair B. Martin, the Guennol Collection, 86.140. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 86.140_SL1.jpg)
    IMAGE overall, 86.140_SL1.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph
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    RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY
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