A rare bone netsuke of a Dutchman with a cockerel
Edo period, 18th century
H. 9.7 cm
Carved from a slender section of bone, most likely a walrus baculum, the Dutchman, with two asymmetrical himotoshi to the back, has an elongated body following the natural orientation of the material and is dressed in a Chinese robe with wave border. He is wearing a European hat, his face has a grotesque expression, and he is holding a long-tailed rooster (onagadori) in his arms. The details are all finely carved and well preserved, and the bone has an appealing dark patina.
Cock fights were a favourite pastime for the Dutch in Deshima during the long waits between the departures and arrivals of ships, which only took place once a year.
H. 9.7 cm
Carved from a slender section of bone, most likely a walrus baculum, the Dutchman, with two asymmetrical himotoshi to the back, has an elongated body following the natural orientation of the material and is dressed in a Chinese robe with wave border. He is wearing a European hat, his face has a grotesque expression, and he is holding a long-tailed rooster (onagadori) in his arms. The details are all finely carved and well preserved, and the bone has an appealing dark patina.
Cock fights were a favourite pastime for the Dutch in Deshima during the long waits between the departures and arrivals of ships, which only took place once a year.
Part of the Japan collection.
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A Japanese ivory and bone fully articulating okimono of a dragonfish
With the end of feudal Japan and the onset of the Meiji Restoration in the mid-19th century, the samurai and upper class began transitioning away from their traditional armors and kimonos. Many craftsmen, who had previously worked on armor, started creating okimono (small ornamental objects meant for display) as a new livelihood. The carver of this particular dragonfish likely had a background in making armor, as evidenced by the exquisite workmanship
A fantastic Japanese fully articulated ivory and bone okimono of a dragon
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