HIDARI ISSAN: SUPERB WOOD NETSUKE OF A COILED DRAGON

HIDARI ISSAN: A SUPERB WOOD NETSUKE OF A COILED SMOOTH DRAGON
By Hidari Issan, signed Hidari Issan 左一山
Japan, Iwashiro, c. 1840, Edo period (1615-1868)

Published: Bandini, Rosemary (2019) The Larry Caplan Collection of Japanese Netsuke, pp. 42-43, no. 21.

A masterpiece in its conception, execution, and expression. The smooth dragon is shown twisted and contorted, its body forming an openworked bundle of irregular loops, its head placed in the center on the top as the mythical being lets out an ambiguous snarl, frightening yet imbued with a healthy dose of humor. The dragon clutches a tama (magical pearl) in its left foreclaw and has large inlaid eyes with black pupils, characteristically ringed in gold lacquer. The underside shows the many crisply carved claws and the segmented underside of the body, providing a stark contrast to the smooth dorsal side. Signed beneath in a raised oval reserve HIDARI ISSAN. Plenty of natural openings function as the cord attachment.

LENGTH 4.2 cm

Condition: Excellent condition, minor wear to the lacquer around the right eye.
Provenance: Collection of Larry Caplan, Toronto.

Auction comparison:
The artist has carved several variations of this subject, though none of them are exactly alike. Another was sold at Bonhams, The Julius and Arlette Katchen Collection of Fine Netsuke Part II, 10 May 2017, London, lot 72 (sold for 11.250 GBP).