Dutchman with child on back and drum

Information

Title	Dutchman with child on back and drum
Date	c. 1800-1850

Signature

Masatomo 正友

Height

5,7 cm

Object number	SH2025-LP-155
iterature references	Bushell, Raymond. 1961. The netsuke handbook of Ueda Reikichi. Rutland, Vermont: Charles E. Tuttle Company. Davey, Neil K. 1974. Netsuke: A comprehensive study based on the M T Hindson collection. London: FABER & FABER.
Credit Line	Collection Japan Museum SieboldHuis, donated by Mrs. E.Y. de Koster and Mrs. G. Zellentin, 2025

Description

This Dutchman is depicted with a strange grinning face and curly hair. He is dressed in a long robe, decorated with a thorn motif. With one hand, he is holding a drum, while his other hand is supporting a child slung over his shoulder. The child is playfully tugging on a cord attached to the drum.

Such children are often depicted in netsuke and are known as karako, or 'Chinese children'. They are recognisable by the two tufts of hair on either side of their head. Often, as in this example, these tufts of hair are inlaid with soft coral.

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

Masatomo was a carver from Ise who was active from 1830 to 1853. He is referenced in e.g. Bushell (1961, p. 258, cat. 627) and Davey (1974, p. 492, cat. 1475).