69 - A REMARKABLE AND RARE TALL WOOD NETSUKE OF AN EXOTIC FOREIGN MUSICIAN

A REMARKABLE AND RARE TALL WOOD NETSUKE OF AN EXOTIC FOREIGN MUSICIAN Unsigned Japan, 18 th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Boldly carved, depicting an exotic foreign musician standing upright and holding a long-necked stringed instrument vertically before him. The instrument, with its pronounced curved body, extended neck, and carefully rendered central openings, is held in playing position, the musician’s hands placed naturally across the surface as if performing. His strongly individualized foreign features are strikingly rendered, with large double-inlaid eyes beneath dramatically arched brows, a wide-open mouth, flowing beard, and long hair falling in thick strands over his shoulders. The figure wears an elaborate robe richly carved with overlapping scale-like and feather-like patterns, creating a fantastical costume that further emphasizes his foreign character. Rather than representing a specific known Japanese subject, the present netsuke appears to belong to the Edo-period tradition of imaginative depictions of foreigners and musicians from distant lands, combining elements inspired by Chinese, Central Asian, and mythical figures. The unusual instrument, expressive physiognomy, and imposing scale make this a particularly remarkable example of the fascination with the exotic within Edo-period netsuke carving. Asymmetrical himotoshi through the back, the larger hole generously excavated to accommodate the knot. HEIGHT 12.5 cm Condition: Excellent condition with only minor expected wear and occasional small nicks here and there. Museum comparison: The present netsuke belongs to the same broader group of large and imaginative foreign figures as the celebrated wood netsuke of a Melanesian drummer by Ryukei I in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Raymond and Frances Bushell Collection (accession no. AC1998.249.142). Like the present work, the LACMA figure is characterized by an unusually tall format, exotic appearance, expressive double inlaid eyes, and a fascination with non-Japanese musicians rendered through an Edo-period imaginative vocabulary.