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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