Ɏ A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF A DUTCHMAN WITH COCKEREL

Ɏ A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF A DUTCHMAN WITH COCKEREL 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). 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.