Turkeys may be the star of Thanksgiving, but at the National Museum of Asian Art, it’s always about the peacock. Spread your wings and take our quiz to see whether you’re a turkey or a true-blue NMAA peacock.
#1. How many peacocks actually appear in James McNeill Whistler’s Peacock Room?
#2. True or false: Live peacocks once roamed free in the Freer Gallery.
#3. This image shows the famous mural inside the Peacock Room entitled “Art and Money: or The Story of the Room.” These peacocks are said to represent Whistler and his patron, Frederick Leyland, battling over the artist’s bill. Which peacock is Leyland and which is Whistler?
#4. The fighting peacocks representing Whistler and Leyland have paste gemstone eyes. What type of gemstones are they?
#5. What material is this peacock pendant made from? (Hint: It was recovered from the ancient Chinese city of Anyang. Look for the exciting new exhibition featuring Anyang and the Shang dynasty at NMAA in January 2023!)
#6. What is the full title of the masterpiece we call the Peacock Room?
#7. The peacock is the national bird of what country featured at the National Museum of Asian Art?
#8. Both turkeys and peacocks are considered particularly aggressive birds. If a turkey and a peacock were to fight, which bird would win?
Results
Shake those tail feathers! You’re a peacock.
🦚
Strut like the beautiful bird you are and make sure everyone knows you’re an NMAA expert! Just be careful you don’t get too (pea)cocky!
Gobble gobble. Looks like you’re a turkey.
🦃
But don’t be in a fowl mood, feathered friend–there’s a reason you tough birds are the Thanksgiving mascot. Try again!
