A SUPERB DARK WOOD NETSUKE OF A COILED DRAGON, ATTRIBUTED TO TAMETAKAAttributed to Tametaka, unsignedJapan, Nagoya, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A remarkably bold and powerful wood netsuke of a dragon coiling around itself, its body varying in thickness, forming a tactile, compact composition, the head and one of the claws resting on top, with flaming whiskers and finely incised scales. The underside shows the thick tail curling around itself, forming the natural himotoshi. The deep-reddish cherry wood beautifully worn with a fine, unctuous patina.The netsuke is unsigned however confidently attributed to Tametaka, who is mentioned in the Soken Kisho of 1781.LENGTH 3.8 cmCondition: Very good condition with typical surface wear. Beautiful, deep patina.Auction comparison:Compare to a closely related wood netsuke of a dragon, by Tametaka, at Bonhams, Fine Netsuke from a French Private Collection, 4 November 2020, London, lot 61 (sold for 5,312 GBP). Also compare to another related ebony wood netsuke of a dragon, by Tametaka, at Sotheby's, The Betty Jahss Collection of Netsuke Part I, 13 June 1991, London, lot 65.