Dutchman with child at knees and drum

Information

Title	Dutchman with child at knees and drum
Date	c. 1800-1825

Signature

Masatomo 正友

Height

5,1 cm

Object number	SH2025-LP-289
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 recognisable by his long, curly hair and exaggerated facial features. He is wearing a monk's habit, decorated with a floral pattern. He has a drum slung over his shoulder, the cord of which is dangling down. A child is attached to his knees, pulling at the cord of the drum to bring the instrument within reach.

Such children are often depicted in netsuke and are known as karako, or 'children from the Chinese Tang dynasty'. They symbolise the innocence and joy of youth. They are usually recognisable by the two tufts of hair on either side of their head. Often, like here, these tufts are inlaid with soft coral.

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

There are multiple known netsuke-carvers who signed their work with Masatomo (正友). Given the age of the object, it was probably made by the Masatomo active in the late 18th century in the Osaka-Kyoto region (see Davey, 1974, p. 492, cat. 1475).