A SUPERB IVORY NETSUKE OF A DUTCHMAN WITH DEER... Lot n° 25

Unsigned Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868) An unusually expressive ivory netsuke of a Dutchman, boldly carved standing on one foot, the other leg slightly raised, jumping up with joy as he carries the carcass of a young deer over his back, the poor animal’s tongue stretched out, the Dutchman’s face with an exuberant look, the mouth wide open and revealing his tongue, the large bulging eyes inlaid with dark horn, as are the shirt buttons and hat finial, the back with two asymmetrical himotoshi. HEIGHT 7.5 cm Condition: Good condition with minor wear, natural age cracks, occasional light scratches, one of the (original) legs has been reattached. Provenance: Old Viennese private collection. According to Neil Davey, “There was probably a shortage of meat on Deshima, the Dutch settlement, hence the frequency of these models of Dutchmen carrying game” (Netsuke, 1974, p. 347)