It has been some time since the last post. I have added three netsuke and an inro to the catalogue.
Two of the netsuke are of South Sea Islanders [N112] and [N113].
Historically, Japan did not have a very positive view of South Sea Islanders, regarding them like "barbarians" in need of (Japanese) civilisation. These islands were however important to the Japanese Empire as a source of coral and as a strategic trading route to China.
Two of the netsuke are of South Sea Islanders [N112] and [N113].
Historically, Japan did not have a very positive view of South Sea Islanders, regarding them like "barbarians" in need of (Japanese) civilisation. These islands were however important to the Japanese Empire as a source of coral and as a strategic trading route to China.