A LARGE WOOD NETSUKE OF A DUTCHMAN WITH A DRUM

A LARGE WOOD NETSUKE OF A DUTCHMAN WITH A DRUM

Unsigned
Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

A large and boldly carved wood netsuke of a Dutchman posed as an islander, the tall man depicted standing, his knees slightly bent and arms reaching to the back supporting a hand drum carved with a triple tomo-e crest. The Dutchman is depicted almost naked, except for the later added clogs and a short loin cloth tied at the waist, his distended belly and ribs showing, the entire body carved in incised hair. His head is raised to the sky as he bursts into a hearty song, the amusing face carved with narrow eyes above a wide grin, framed by a lozenge wig, and topped by a hat with floral finial. Good 'chimney-type' himotoshi to the back.

HEIGHT 13.7 cm

Condition: The legs and feet have been restored. Minor wear and some nibbling to the edge of the hat. Otherwise good condition and presenting very well.
Provenance: From an old French private collection.

Literature comparison:
A very interesting comparison is provided by a wood netsuke of a standing islander, similarly posed, by Gessho, illustrated in Bandini, Rosemary (2020) The Larry Caplan Collection of Japanese Netsuke, no. 12.