Japan (?), late 16th - early 17th century - inv. 5630
The netsuke depicts a Pietà of great emotional intensity, with the Madonna resting on a seat without a back, holding the lifeless body of Christ on her legs. The two large holes of the himotoshi are on the back, at the height of the seat.
This fascinating subject provides a valuable insight of the initial presence of Christian religion in Japan, in addition, it is an example of successful hybridization between Japanese customs (the use of netsuke) and Western Europe culture (the Christian subject).