Unsigned Japan, Osaka, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868) A tall saishiki (painted) hinoki wood netsuke depicting the dragon king of the sea Ryujin standing and holding a jewel in one hand while stroking his beard with the other. A long dragon is on his back, its head placed on top of Ryujin’s head. The hinoki (cypress) wood colored in polychrome pigments and gesso is relatively well preserved. Beautifully large himotoshi through the back, underneath the dragon. HEIGHT 10.3 cm Condition: Very good condition, relatively minor wear to polychrome pigments and gesso. Provenance: Ex-Collection Mrs. Gunvor Bjorkman. Auction comparison: Compare to a similar netsuke sold by Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 6 November 2012, London, lot 160 (sold for 9.375 GBP).