The Dutch were the only foreigners allowed after the Tokugawa government virtually closed off Japan and expelled the Portuguese in 1638. The Dutch were confined to the island of Deshima (‘exit island’) in Nagasaki bay, therefore relatively little was known about them and netsuke carvers knew of them predominantly from woodblock prints. Therefore, depictions of Dutchmen were a mixture of caricatures combined with known elements, sometimes even bordering the grotesque, rather than exact portraits.

An early netsuke of triangular shape with a very good patina showing considerable wear. Depicted is a grotesque version of a Dutchman with parodied features such as the very large nose and silly expression. He is wearing the characteristic hat, has long hair and is holding a fan, amusingly suggesting the Dutchman is, like Sennin and gods, of otherworldly origin. Two playful dogs are seated in front of him embracing each other. The garments of the Dutchman are finely decorated with leaves and the large himotoshi are found in the back and underside.

Category:

-

Subcategory:

-

Subject:

Figural

Material:

Ivory

Age/Country:

18th Century

Artist:

-

Provenance/Owner:

Galerie Zacke

Signed:

unsigned

Type:

Katabori

Height:

38mm mm

Width:

mm

Depth:

mm

ID number: