| Antique
Japanese Stag Antler Netsuke
Dutchman
Carrying Karako
Signature: unsigned, circa: 19th Century
H 2.5 in.(6cm.), W .75 in.(2cm), D 1 in.(2.5cm)
Condition: very good
The increasingly threatening presence of Christianity during 17th century,
foreigners were expelled from Japan with the exception of Dutch traders. These
traders, few in number, were confined to the small island of Deshima, a part of
Nagasaki, where they conducted their business of western imports and Japanese
exports. These non-threatening Dutchmen were often the subject of netsuke carver’s
imaginations during the 19th century, particularly before 1853, when Commodore
Matthew Perry reintroduced the west to Japan.
Sold To Private Collection!
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This
stag antler netsuke depicts one of these Dutchmen, holding a wind instrument,
a fan, and being straddled by a karako. His lips are traced with a faint pinkish
stain, and his face is framed by a stylized wig. Some netsuke scholars speculate
that many of the designs of Europeans were copied not from live models but from
ornamental figures that appeared on the stern and bow of European ships during
the early 17th century. In addition, stag antler netsuke of foreigners are amongst
the oldest of netsuke to be produced in great quantities, as they became a kind
of a souvenir for those who traveled to Nagasaki during the western blackout years,
hoping to catch a glimpse of one these Dutch traders. Here we have the glimpse
hardened, and colored by an attractive aged patina. In excellent condition.
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