Monkey trainer with child c. late 19th century

Carved in the round, this ivory netsuke presents a monkey trainer with a child, masterfully crafted by Hōgetsu. The monkey, a symbol often associated with cleverness and mimicry, perches on the trainer's shoulder, while the child below gazes upwards, reaching for a toy. Consider how the motif of the monkey has traversed cultures. In some contexts, it is a sacred figure, embodying divine attributes. Yet, here, the monkey is domesticated, part of an itinerant performance. Think of the Commedia dell'arte, where stock characters mirrored and mocked society; the monkey trainer reflects a similar dynamic, a playful commentary on social roles. Note the trainer's broad smile, an intentional choice. This deliberate use of facial expression taps into our collective memory, engaging viewers with deep emotional states. The netsuke becomes a conduit, connecting us to primal instincts and shared human experiences across time. A cyclical progression of image, emotion, and cultural memory.