A RARE WOOD NETSUKE OF A HIRYU (FLYING DRAGON), SOKEN KISHO TYPE

A RARE WOOD NETSUKE OF A HIRYU (FLYING DRAGON), SOKEN KISHO TYPE

Unsigned
Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

Boldly carved as a hiryu (flying dragon), the design illustrated in the Soken Kisho, carved with prominent fangs, an upturned snout, boldly carved bulging eyes with metal-inlaid pupils, and a single horn. The short body with incised scales and wings shaped as fins, the tail raised and curling upwards dynamically. Generously excavated himotoshi underneath. The wood bearing a smooth, naturally grown patina.

LENGTH 5.6 cm

Condition: Very good condition with minor expected surface wear. One inlaid pupil is replaced.

Literature comparison:
For a closely related example in ivory see Bandini, Rosemary (2001) Expressions of Style, Netsuke as Art, Scholten Japanese Art, New York, no. 77.

Auction comparison:
Compare a closely related wood netsuke of a flying dragon, at Bonhams, The Harriet Szechenyi Sale of Japanese Art, 8 November 2011, London, lot 100 (sold for GBP 11,875).