Ɏ A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF A DUTCHMAN WITH COCKEREL

Lot details Unsigned Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Standing, facing ahead and firmly holding a fighting rooster, the Dutchman is dressed in a short outer coat adorned with geometric motifs imitating the plumage of the restless bird, the breeches peering through, his stockings pulled high and decorated with a row of dark horn buttons to the back, all above traditional clogs. The face carved with a caricatured expression with protruding eyes and a long nose, framed by a lozenge wig and a broad plumed hat. Excellent and asymmetrical himotoshi to the back. HEIGHT 9.2 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor surface wear. Dutch merchants were the only Europeans permitted to live in Japan during most of the Edo period (1615-1868). They were confined to Dejima, a small man-made island in Nagasaki Bay. The “Southern Barbarian” (Nanban) Dutchman netsuke were developed at a time when few Japanese had encountered foreigners. The cock is a possible reference to the Dutch colony’s pastime of cockfighting. Auction comparison: Compare a closely related ivory netsuke of a dutchman with cockerel and trumpet, at Zacke, Fine Japanese Art, 4 June 2021, Vienna, lot 223 (sold for EUR 4,803). Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number FR2207508119-K).Unsigned Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Standing, facing ahead and firmly holding a fighting rooster, the Dutchman is dressed in a short outer coat adorned with geometric motifs imitating the plumage of the restless bird, the breeches peering through, his stockings pulled high and decorated with a row of dark horn buttons to the back, all above traditional clogs. The face carved with a caricatured expression with protruding eyes and a long nose, framed by a lozenge wig and a broad plumed hat. Excellent and asymmetrical himotoshi to the back. HEIGHT 9.2 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor surface wear. Dutch merchants were the only Europeans permitted to live in Japan during most of the Edo period (1615-1868). They were confined to Dejima, a small man-made island in Nagasaki Bay. The “Southern Barbarian” (Nanban) Dutchman netsuke were developed at a time when few Japanese had encountered foreigners. The cock is a possible reference to the Dutch colony’s pastime of cockfighting. Auction comparison: Compare a closely related ivory netsuke of a dutchman with cockerel and trumpet, at Zacke, Fine Japanese Art, 4 June 2021, Vienna, lot 223 (sold for EUR 4,803). Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number FR2207508119-K).

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