A RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF A DUTCH CHILD PLAYING THE DRUM

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

Depicting a Dutch boy with distinct European facial features, wearing a studded robe inlaid in buffalo horn of various colors. The boy holds a horn-studded drum before him, beating it with the two mallets he is holding. The ivory is of a very good color, pleasingly worn and tactile, and shows a very good yellowish patina, turning orange in the back. Excellent, generously excavated himotoshi through the back and side.

HEIGHT 7.6 cm

Condition: Old repair (completely original) to both legs. Otherwise good condition with expected age cracks.
Provenance: Old Viennese private collection, collection no. 94, acquired from Galerie Gemini in May 1995.

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

Depicting a Dutch boy with distinct European facial features, wearing a studded robe inlaid in buffalo horn of various colors. The boy holds a horn-studded drum before him, beating it with the two mallets he is holding. The ivory is of a very good color, pleasingly worn and tactile, and shows a very good yellowish patina, turning orange in the back. Excellent, generously excavated himotoshi through the back and side.

HEIGHT 7.6 cm

Condition: Old repair (completely original) to both legs. Otherwise good condition with expected age cracks.
Provenance: Old Viennese private collection, collection no. 94, acquired from Galerie Gemini in May 1995.