Japanese Umimatsu netsuke of a dragon, 18th century
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
This Japanese netsuke, dating to the 18th century during the Edo period, is carved from umimatsu, a deep-water coral commonly known as black coral. The netsuke is sculpted into a compact, recumbent dragon, shown with its clawed limbs tucked beneath its body and a thick tail curled against one haunch.
The dragon's head is thrust forward with an animated expression, featuring bulging eyes, ridged brows, flaring nostrils, swept-back horns, and a wide, open mouth revealing sharp teeth and a curling tongue. The carving highlights flowing details such as the mane, beard, whiskers, and flame-like shoulder tufts, which contrast with the polished body surface. Measuring 6.3 cm in length, the piece is unsigned and incorporates a silver-lined himotoshi on the underside.This example is a classic representation of Edo-period miniature sculpture, reflecting the sophisticated craftsmanship applied to functional toggle accessories.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Length
- 6.3 cm
- Material
- umimatsu (black coral)
Technical characteristics
- Himotoshi
- silver loop
Design
- Motif
- dragon
Identification
- Source note
- Described from a single auction-house listing published on Invaluable (reproduced with Invaluable's permission). Details apply to that one example; other examples of the type may differ, and the listing is supplementary evidence, not authentication.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.