Page 98 - Fine Japanese Art March 27, 2020 Galerie Zacke Netsuke and Okimono

IWAMI, IWASHIRO, HAKATA & OTHERS

94 | A VERY RARE AND SUPERB EBONY WOOD
NETSUKE OF A DRAGON IN AWABI SHELL
Unsigned
Japan, Iwami province, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
Published: Earle, Joe (2000) The Robert S. Huthart Collection of
Iwami Netsuke, Vol. 2, p. 375, no. 348.

A highly unusual netsuke depicting a dragon (tatsu) partly coiled
and lurking inside an otherwise empty awabi (abalone) shell. The
dragon’s scales are finely carved, executed in very fine incision work,
and the mythical animal’s body is winding, forming a dense bundle.
Its claws are crisply carved, some hidden underneath its body, and
the right front claw positioned as if to strike at any moment. The
dragon’s head rests on the tapering end of the shell, its flaming
beards appearing like spikes. The expression is ferocious, the eyes
are inlaid in dark-reddish horn. The unusual subject matter and the
masterful expression may suggest Masatoyo of Tomita as a carver,
who also carved a highly unusual Kirin. The backside shows the
beautifully carved surface of the awabi shell, with the characteristic
openings arranged in a spiral. Good, large himotoshi.
LENGTH 5.8 cm
Condition: Very good condition, minor expected surface wear.
Provenance: The Robert S. Huthart Collection.
Estimate EUR 8.000,-
Starting price EUR 4.000,-

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