Nagano 1998The Medals

To convey local characteristics, the 1998 Olympic Winter Games medals were created in lacquer (Kiso lacquer). The decoration technique adopted was embossed gilding (or Maki-e), with so-called shippoyaki (i.e. cloisonné techniques) and precision metalwork.

The obverse represents the rising sun in Maki-e, surrounded by olive branches and accompanied by the emblem in cloisonné. The reverse is mainly in lacquer. It represents the emblem of the Games in Maki-e, with the sun rising over the Shinshu mountains. The lacquered parts were done individually by artists from the Kiso region. The medals had a diameter of 80mm with a thickness of 9,7mm; the gold medal weighed 256g, the sliver 250g and the bronze 230g.

Composition: 1st Place (Gilt silver; Lacquer), 2nd Place (Gilt silver; Lacquer), 3rd Place (Bronze; Lacquer)

Diameter: 80mm

Mint: Japan Mint