† HARUMITSU: AN IMPRESSIVE WOOD NETSUKE OF A COILED DRAGONBy Harumitsu (Shunko), signed Harumitsu 春光Japan, Yamada, Ise Province, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved with meticulously rendered scales and cleverly alternating textures, the dragon coiling around itself in a powerful stance and releasing a mighty roar. The sharp claws and flames emanating from its body are testament to its might, however the rather amusing expression marked by inlaid eyes of pale translucent horn with dark pupils creates a humorous contrast. Natural himotoshi and signed within a raised oval reserve HARUMITSU.LENGTH 3.9 cmCondition: Very good condition, only very minor wear, one inlaid eye possiby replaced.Provenance: A noted private collection, USA.Relatively little is known about the artist Harumitsu (Shunko), though it is suspected he was a pupil from the Masanao line of Yamada. The present piece also shows some similarities to the school of Minko (see auction comparison).Auction comparison: Compare to a closely related wood netsuke of a dragon by Harumitsu sold at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Works of Art, 13 September 2011, New York, lot 2025 (sold for 4,750 USD). Also compare to a related wood netsuke of a dragon signed Minko sold at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 16 April 2021, Vienna, lot 112 (sold for 2,928 EUR).13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer’s premium – only for buyers within the EU.