Netsuke, stag antler carved with Dutchman holding a cock, Japan, 18th century.
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
18th century
This carved stag antler netsuke is in the form of a Dutchman holding a cock. The netsuke is a toggle. Japanese men used netsuke to suspend various pouches and containers from their sashes by a silk cord.
Netsuke were made in a variety of forms, the most widely appreciated being the katabori (shape carving), a three-dimensional carving, such as this one in the form of a Dutchman holding a cockerel. Of particular appeal during the eighteenth century were depictions of foreign merchants. 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 and wearing their native clothing.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Dimensions
- Height 9.8 cm
- Materials and techniques
- Carved stag antler
Technical characteristics
- Place recorded
- Japan
Identification
- Candidate id
- vam-O229715
- Museum object number
- A.62-1920
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked single-object source. Wider type attribution and authenticity have not been independently verified.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: confirm the wider type and source attribution against specialist references.