Rookset c. 1800 - 1850

Ikko Hasegawa created this rookset sometime between 1800 and 1850. During this time, Japan experienced social and economic changes that influenced artistic expression. This rookset is more than a functional object; it embodies the complex cultural and historical exchange between Japan and the West. The figure of the European man atop the set invites us to consider the prevailing attitudes towards foreigners in Japan at the time. Consider the intricate details of the carving, the deliberate depiction of the figure's clothing and posture, and the ways in which these choices reflect contemporary Japanese perceptions and stereotypes of Westerners. Were these caricatures, or attempts at genuine cultural exchange? What does it mean to see this figure, who represents an outsider, as a symbol of status and sophistication? This rookset acts as a mirror reflecting the complex interplay of identity, perception, and power dynamics in 19th-century Japan, encouraging us to reflect on the narratives we construct about ourselves and others.