The Hare With Amber Eyes

The Hare With Amber Eyes by Edmund de Waal is a stunningly original memoir that weaves together the threads of history, art, and personal discovery. At the heart of the book lies a collection of 264 exquisite wood and ivory carvings known as 'netsuke', none larger than a matchbox. These intricate objects first captivated the author when he encountered them in the Tokyo apartment of his great uncle, Iggie.

The tale unravels when de Waal inherits the netsuke, uncovering a story that spans continents and centuries. The journey begins with the Ephrussi family, prosperous grain exporters from Odessa, who gained tremendous wealth and influence in the 19th century. By the 1870s, Charles Ephrussi had settled in Paris as part of this affluent lineage, becoming an avid art collector. It was Charles who brought the netsuke into the family's possession, acquiring them during a period when Japanese art and aesthetics captivated European salons. As a magnanimous gesture, he sent the collection as a wedding gift to his banker cousin in Vienna.

In Vienna, the netsuke became beloved playthings for three children, including a young Ignace, as their lives were both enriched and eventually threatened by the seismic shifts of history. The Anschluss and the onset of the Second World War brought devastation, placing the Ephrussi family on the brink of ruin. Amidst the chaos, almost all that remained of their once vast empire was the netsuke collection, shielded from destruction by the bravery of a loyal maid during the Nazi occupation of their grand Viennese palace.

De Waal embarks on a global quest, visiting the majestic residences once inhabited by his relatives and piecing together the fragmented narrative of his ancestry. In The Hare With Amber Eyes, he masterfully traces the intricate networks of a remarkable family, set against the tumultuous backdrop of the 20th century. Through the eyes of his forebears, de Waal brings to life a poignant family saga and the enduring significance of their cherished netsuke collection.

This memoir is not only a journey through time but also an exploration of resilience, art, and the lingering echoes of history. De Waal’s lyrical prose and meticulous research make The Hare With Amber Eyes an unforgettable read for those passionate about culture, heritage, and the power of objects to tell profound stories.