Depictions of Portuguese and Dutch nationals were very popular in old Japan. Many have been depicted in the form of toggles called ‘netsuke’ during the 17th to 19th centuries. Dutchmen were most frequently used as a subject because the Dutch were the only westerners allowed to trade with Japan from 1609 to 1854. The subject of a Dutchman, as the Japanese would depict them, was copied by a Chinese craftsman in porcelain and even though it dates from the latter part of the 20th century we found this statue so amusing that we bought it. Height 25.5 cm. Width 12.5 cm. Depth 13 cm.