Portuguese with dog

Information

Title	Portuguese with dog
Date	c. 1800-1850

Height

7,5 cm

Object number	SH2025-LP-131
Credit Line	Collection Japan Museum SieboldHuis, donated by Mrs. E.Y. de Koster and Mrs. G. Zellentin, 2025

Description

This grinning Portuguese man is petting a dog that sits in his lap. He is depicted with a full beard and richly decorated clothing: his coat has been embellished with spiraling patterns, and underneath it, he is wearing an additional skirt adorned with a plant motif. With his right hand, he is holding a rope attached to his hat.

For further information on the representation of foreigners in carvings, see our collection story: Hollanders in Japanse snijkunst.

The eyes of both the Portuguese man and his dog are inlaid with soft coral. The dog’s right eye has gone missing.