Ivory netsuke of great dimension representing a standing dutchmen, with a Chinese feathered hat, he also has a typical curled wig. He is wearing breeches and clogs under a mid-thigh coat adorned with a Chinese motive of wave on the hem, he also as a cock in his arms. Himotôshi (set of holes to pass the cordon of the inro) in its back.

The Dutch are often represented holding a trumpet, a cock, a child or a dog, it was meant to evoke trade goods, but the presence of the rooster probably refers to the Dutch popular hobby of cockfighting.

Being the only Europeans allowed to enter Japan after the expulsion of the Portuguese in 1639, the Dutch are only known to netsuke carvers by rumors and representation made of them in Nagasaki.

Japan – Edo era (1603-1868), mid XVIIIth century
Height: 11 cm – width: 3 cm – depth: 1,7 cm