Netsuke, wood carved with Dutchwoman with a trumpet and a child, Japan, 18th century.

Japanese men used netsuke to suspend various pouches and containers from their sashes by a silk cord. Netsuke had to be small and not too heavy, yet bulky enough to do the job.

They needed to be compact with no sharp protruding edges, yet also strong and hardwearing. The Dutch and the Chinese, since 1639, were the only foreigners allowed to trade in Japanese waters and were confined to trade on two coastal settlements on the southern island of Kyushu, away from the mainland. The Orandajin or Hollanders were of particular interest and were carved, as within this example, with large noses, curled hair and wearing their native clothing.

The child within this carving is Chinese, as illustrated by the hairstyle. By combining both nationalities the carver was able to represent two cultures of interest to the Japanese.