NETSUKE: DUTCH WITH RABBIT.
Japan. Edo period. 18th c.

Rare and grandiose ivory figure of a tall Dutch sailor; wearing a "pantalon ?pont" as designed in 17th century France and typical garb for sailors. His pantaloon is fastened at one side below the narrow belt with two agate buttons. The brimmed hat has a pom-pom dangling from the top. The unknown carver must have seen a European sailor before he could carve all these details; and that was only possible around Nagasaki/Deshima. The sailor is standing in elegant posture; head turned back; with smiling face; holding a rabbit diagonally across his front. Procuring such a rabbit was believed to ensure plentiful progeny. See for the interpretation of this netsuke and the place of its creation the chapter 'Netsuke from Satsuma' in the catalogue 'Netsuke & Sagemono'; Netsuke Convention Cologne 2017; cat. no. 140 and Alain Ducros' introduction to this group. H.13.8cm. Condition A.

Literature:
-Ky魌o and T鬹y?2010 Celebrating the 150th Anniversary of Friendship between Germany and Japan; catalogue p.19.
-Cologne MOA 2017; Catalogue no.140; p. 91.


Please note that objects made of ivory; rhinoceros horn and turtle shell; due to Cites regulations can only be sold within the European Community. At present the export in third countries is prohibited.
Art trade; Van Ham.