Page 97 - Japnese Art Netsuke, Okimono, Lempertz June 2, 2019

466 A rare ivory netsuke of a foreigner on a
dromedary. 18th century

Seated on a saddle cloth and beating the big
drum clamped under his left arm. The drome-
dary standing on an oval base the head turned,
its right front leg stepping forward. The
dromedary’s eyes and the drum’s rim inlaid in
dark and light horn (some inlays lost).
The Japanese word ‚rakuda’ (camel) is the
homophone with the informal and discreet
sexual phrase ‚raku da’ (that feels nice). In view
of the tall hat, the figure might be a
Korean envoy to Japan. To heighten his
exoticism he is shown seated on a dromedary.
Height 4.6 cm

€ 1.400 – 1.600

466

467 An ivory netsuke of a Dutchman playing the
shawm. Late 18th century
Sitting in an upright position and playing the
shawm with both hands, dressed in a long robe
with engraved clouds and wearing a brimmed
hat and a curly wig. Old chip to the left elbow.
Height 4.5 cm
Provenance
Private collection, The Netherlands
€ 1.000 – 1.200

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