Japan, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The Dragon King with a fierce expression, standing and holding the tama (sacred jewel) with both hands, a dragon clambering on his back and trailing down the length of his body. Wearing only billowing scarves, his emaciated ribcage is finely incised, and his muscular legs and arms are well detailed. The dragon with a sinuous body, neatly incised scales, and scrolling mane. Two himotoshi to the back.HEIGHT 7.7 cmCondition: Good condition, one foot with a repair. Fine, dark patina.Provenance: French private collection.This type is sometimes also referred to as Ryujin’s attendant.Literature comparison: Compare a related wood netsuke of Ryujin with a dragon on his back and tama in his hands by Shuraku, illustrated in Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part B, p. 786.