SADANOBU: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF A DRAGON INSIDE MIKAN By Sadanobu, signed Sadanobu
Japan, Sasayama, Tanba province, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

A finely carved wood netsuke depicting a dragon inside a mikan (tangerine) with crisply carved scales, inlaid pupils, and flaming whiskers protruding the surface of the mikan, which is disintegrating through the might of the dragon, which bursts through from within. Himotoshi through the stem, from which a leaf trail down the side. Signed within an oval reserve SADANOBU.

LENGTH 3.9 cm

Condition: Very good condition with only very minimal surface wear.
Provenance: European private collection.