Antique-show Kozuka

[Kanenaga]

Hello All,

 

I generally do not collect anything smaller than a tsuba, but I found this kozuka at a recent antique fair and "rescued" it from the dealer who had only the vaguest idea what it was. I need some help with the theme. It seems to show a man in fancy dress blowing a trumpet-like horn, with a small dog-like creature at his feet.  Apologies for the blurry, off-color, handheld iPhone photo, but hopefully you get the idea.  Can anyone identify the story or legend being referenced?  All suggestions appreciated.

 

Les

[Spartancrest]

Hi Les, I have seen this guy a few times - he is described as a Dattan, Tatar (or Tartar) even just as a 'Foreigner' blowing a trumpet. He is also very often accompanied by the same long eared dog or hound. On rare occasions only the dog will appear. The image from the Metropolitan would seem to be closest to your Kozuka - great find by the way.      https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/25724

[Spartancrest]

Other examples of Tartar with dog [that looks more like a goat!],one with wife? With wife and Shishi and just taking the Shishi for a walk. The designs are not as close, but you might notice the trumpet reappears in the third image.

 

 

 

I may as well add this one to keep all the examples together. These 'foreigners' sure like their dogs!

 

Edited May 14, 2023 by Spartancrest
new data

[Bugyotsuji]

チャルメラ

https://www.google.co.jp/search?q=チャルメラ+楽器&client=safari&hl=ja-jp&prmd=ivsn&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwib-s_I7PP-AhUaUvUHHZPwAh8Q_AUoAXoECAIQAQ&biw=390&bih=664&dpr=3

 

Said to have originated in Western Asia and spread to Japan where it was called a charumera, and to France and Europe where it became the oboe.

[Spartancrest]

 I knew this guy was using it wrong! 

[Larason2]

That's actually an ear trumpet! It is a sort of early hearing aid. Apparently also used by Beethoven!

[Deez77]

This piece was listed as Omori western style dog...perhaps related?

 

Damon

[Spartancrest]

1 hour ago, Deez77 said:

western style dog...perhaps related?

Sure has the same long ears. [why do they often look underfed?] Not many Asian breeds have floppy ears, so perhaps it became popular to have exotic pets when the Dutch and Portugeuse came to Japan?

[Kanenaga]

Dale, great similars, especially that first group. Thanks so much.

 

So I'm gathering that perhaps there is no story, just a semi-standardized way of depicting Mongolian gaijin? But such a similar image from the Hamano and Mito makers -- and now mine, which happens to be signed Toshinaga, a very big name so it's likely gimei.  Nevertheless, I'll have to send it over for shinsa, on the off chance....

 

Any other thoughts about the origin of this image?

[Spartancrest]

59 minutes ago, Kanenaga said:

just a semi-standardized way of depicting Mongolian gaijin?

I can't find much in the way of other images, perhaps it was a particular workshop design that was taken on by several smiths? I did find this little Netsuke of a Tartar warrior -  - and I thought tsuba could be expensive!!!

The long eared dog reappears in this woodblock, his hands are full of weapons so no room for a trumpet or "Charumera"