The Hare With Amber Eyes

Discover the captivating world of *The Hare With Amber Eyes*, a poignant memoir by Edmund de Waal, beautifully exploring a unique collection of netsuke—264 exquisite wood and ivory carvings that hold stories of a remarkable family. This B-format paperback, published in 2011 by Random House UK, recounts the history of the Ephrussi family, once influential grain exporters from Odessa, full of art and culture. The narrative weaves through time, highlighting the artistic obsession of Charles Ephrussi, an illustrious figure in Paris's affluent salons during the 1870s. Each netsuke, no larger than a matchbox, becomes a symbol of lost heritage and survival, preserved against the backdrop of world upheavals like the Second World War. Through vivid storytelling, de Waal not only connects with his family's past but also invites readers to reflect on their own histories and the objects that animate them. *The Hare With Amber Eyes* is a touching exploration of memory, legacy, and identity that transcends generations. Whether you're an art lover, history enthusiast, or someone seeking an evocative literary journey, this memoir is a must-have for your collection. Enjoy FREE shipping on this item from Smartfox NZ and delve into the intricate tales behind the netsuke that resonate with art, family, and the resilience of the human spirit.

Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9780099539551
Format: B-format paperback
Year: 2011
Publisher: RANDOM HOUSE UK
Pages: 368


Description:
264 wood and ivory carvings, none of them larger than a matchbox- potter Edmund de Waal was entranced when he first encountered the collection in the Tokyo apartment of his great uncle Iggie. Later, when Edmund inherited the 'netsuke', they unlocked a story far larger than he could ever have imagined... The Ephrussis came from Odessa, and at one time were the largest grain exporters in the world; in the 1870s, Charles Ephrussi was part of a wealthy new generation settling in Paris. Charles's passion was collecting; the netsuke, bought when Japanese objets were all the rage in the salons, were sent as a wedding present to his banker cousin in Vienna. Later, three children - including a young Ignace - would play with the netsuke as history reverberated around them. The Anschluss and Second World War swept the Ephrussis to the brink of oblivion. Almost all that remained of their vast empire was the netsuke collection, dramatically saved by a loyal maid when their huge Viennese palace was occupied. In this stunningly original memoir, Edmund de Waal travels the world to stand in the great buildings his forebears once inhabited. He traces the network of a remarkable family against the backdrop of a tumultuous century and tells the story of a unique collection.

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