Twee aanzichten van een netsuke van gorilla's 1840 - 1890

Philippe Burty made this drawing of two views of a netsuke of gorillas at an unknown date. Burty was a French art critic, printmaker, and collector, who coined the term Japonisme to describe the craze for Japanese art and design that swept across the West in the second half of the 19th century. Netsuke are small, often intricately carved toggles used to fasten a pouch or container to a kimono sash. They became popular during the Edo period in Japan, when traditional kimono lacked pockets. The choice of gorillas as a subject reflects the fascination of the West at the time. Burty's drawing prompts us to think about cultural exchange and the West's interpretation of Japanese art, as well as the way in which he viewed the relationship between humans and the animal world. The gorillas invite us to consider our place within the natural order.