A SUPERB AND LARGE IVORY NETSUKE OF A DUTCHMAN WITH A TRUMPET

A SUPERB AND LARGE IVORY NETSUKE OF A DUTCHMAN WITH A TRUMPET

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

The Dutchman carved standing tall, looking up with a quizzical expression on his face. He is holding a Chinese trumpet (lapa) in one hand, and a fan in the other. Dressed in a long coat decorated with scrolling cloud design on a stained and stippled ground, the sleeves of his undershirt are incised with foliate patterns and pleated to the cuffs. His exaggerated facial features with protruding eyes under a broad nose and grimacing mouth are framed by a lozenge wig and topped by a broad brim hat incised with scrolling vines and topped with a peacock's feathers. Generously excavated, asymmetrical himotoshi to the back and side. The ivory with a dark, naturally grown, honey-gold patina.

HEIGHT 12.9 cm

Condition: Very good condition with minor surface wear and age cracks. Some rubbing and wear to incised details.
Provenance: Ex-collection Guy de Lasteyrie, acquired from the above. De Lasteyrie is a member of the Lasteyrie du Saillant family and is considered among the leading French collectors of netsuke.

Auction comparison:
Compare a related ivory netsuke of a Dutchman with a captured deer, of near identical size (12.7 cm) and with very similar detailing to the robe, dated to the 18th century, at Bonhams, The Harriet Szechenyi Sale of Japanese Art, 8 November 2011, London, lot 97 (sold for GBP 21,250).

Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number FR2207506607-K).

This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.