An ivory netsuke with a dragon and a tama

Dragon

Signed: Yoshimasa

Kyoto, late 18th/early 19th century

Ivory netsuke. Eyes inlaid in ebony

Length: 5.2 cm

The three-clawled dragon is shown with a fierce expression, coiled on the large tama he is protecting with his right forepaw.

Yoshimasa was a pupil of the great 18th century Kyoto master Yoshinaga, who was mentioned in the Soken Kisho and from whom he adopted the “yoshi” character. Netsuke by Yoshimasa are rare and they are mostly large and powerful figures of dragons and kirin.

Netsuke for sale. Price on application. Please include item stock number: net-1359