Obverse

Reverse

   To convey local characteristics the 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 metalswork.

   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.

Credit: IOC

For further info., please visit http://www.olympic.org/uk/games/past/index_uk.asp?OLGT=2&OLGY=1998.