Antique Japanese Stag Antler Netsuke
Dutchman
Carrying Karako
Netsuke 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.

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.

Sold to Private Collection