Unsigned Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868) A finely carved tall ivory netsuke depicting a Dutchman wearing a large hat adorned with a peacock feather and with a typically caricatured expression. He is holding a rooster in his hands, probably referring to the pastime of cockfighting in the Dutch company. He is wearing a lozenge wig, knee breeches, stockings, and clogs for shoes. The seam of his long coat is incised with fine waves. The eyes of the Dutchman and the rooster are inlaid in dark horn. ‘Chimney himotoshi’ through the back and underside. Fine patina. HEIGHT 10.3 cm Condition: The feet restored. Otherwise good condition with minor associated surface wear, some age cracks. Provenance: Austrian private estate. Dutchmen were only known to netsuke artists from hearsay and Nagasaki woodblock prints and were the only Europeans allowed in Japan after the Portuguese were expelled in 1638. Auction comparison: A similar, yet slightly smaller ivory netsuke of a Dutchman with rooster was sold by Zacke, Fine Netsuke, Sagemono & Okimono, 27 April 2019, Vienna, lot 154 (sold for 4,803 EUR).
Unsigned Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868) A finely carved tall ivory netsuke depicting a Dutchman wearing a large hat adorned with a peacock feather and with a typically caricatured expression. He is holding a rooster in his hands, probably referring to the pastime of cockfighting in the Dutch company. He is wearing a lozenge wig, knee breeches, stockings, and clogs for shoes. The seam of his long coat is incised with fine waves. The eyes of the Dutchman and the rooster are inlaid in dark horn. ‘Chimney himotoshi’ through the back and underside. Fine patina. HEIGHT 10.3 cm Condition: The feet restored. Otherwise good condition with minor associated surface wear, some age cracks. Provenance: Austrian private estate. Dutchmen were only known to netsuke artists from hearsay and Nagasaki woodblock prints and were the only Europeans allowed in Japan after the Portuguese were expelled in 1638. Auction comparison: A similar, yet slightly smaller ivory netsuke of a Dutchman with rooster was sold by Zacke, Fine Netsuke, Sagemono & Okimono, 27 April 2019, Vienna, lot 154 (sold for 4,803 EUR).
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
