Dutchman with child and shawm

Information

Title	Dutchman with child and shawm
Date	c. 1775-1800

Height

6,1 cm

Object number	SH2025-LP-303
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 curly wig and exaggerated facial features.

In his right hand, he is holding a shawm. This wooden wind instrument makes a loud, piercing noise when blown, and was especially popular during the Renaissance period in Europe. In netsuke, they are almost always associated with Dutchmen.

With his left hand, he is supporting the child on his back. 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, though those are missing in this example.

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