Dutchman with rooster

Information

Title	Dutchman with rooster
Date	c. 1775-1825

Height

11 cm

Object number	SH2025-LP-205
iterature references	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 staring ahead with a sneer, a large rooster in his arms. He is recognisable as a Dutchman by his curly wig and exaggerated facial features. A large feather adorns his hat.

The pattern on his dress is supposed to represent two cresting waves, which is a reoccuring theme netsuke of Dutchmen: compare for example SH2025-LP-204.

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

Netsuke of Dutchmen often depicted them with large roosters. This was possibly because cockfighting was a popular pastime for the Dutchmen residing in Nagasaki. An example in an almost identical pose (also with cresting waves on his dress) is illustrated in Davey (1974, p. 346, cat. 1043).