HIDARI ISSAN: A SUPERB WOOD NETSUKE OF A SMOOTH DRAGON By Hidari Issan, signed Hidari Issan 左一山
Japan, Iwashiro, 19^th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

Coiled in irregular loops and holding a tama (jewel) with one claw, part of its body forming the himotoshi, the well-patinated wood slightly worn and the eyes inlaid in bone with gilt-rimmed black-lacquered pupils. The underside signed HIDARI ISSAN within an oblong reserve.

LENGTH 4.5 cm

Condition: Very good condition, appealingly worn, remnants of lacquer, few minuscule nicks. Fine, dark patina.
Provenance: German private collection.

Auction comparison:
The artist has carved several variations of this subject, though none of them are exactly alike. One 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); and another was sold at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 25 September 2020, Vienna, lot 129 (sold for 10,112 EUR).