A VERY RARE AND SUPERB EBONY WOOD NETSUKE OF A DRAGON IN AWABI SHELL Unsigned Japan, Iwami province, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Published: Earle, Joe (2000) The Robert S. Huthart Collection of Iwami Netsuke, Vol. 2, p. 375, no. 348. A highly unusual netsuke depicting a dragon (tatsu) partly coiled and lurking inside an otherwise empty awabi (abalone) shell. The dragon’s scales are finely carved, executed in very fine incision work, and the mythical animal’s body is winding, forming a dense bundle. Its claws are crisply carved, some hidden underneath its body, and the right front claw positioned as if to strike at any moment. The dragon’s head rests on the tapering end of the shell, its flaming beards appearing like spikes. The expression is ferocious, the eyes are inlaid in dark-reddish horn. The unusual subject matter and the masterful expression may suggest Masatoyo of Tomita as a carver, who also carved a highly unusual Kirin. The backside shows the beautifully carved surface of the awabi shell, with the characteristic openings arranged in a spiral. Good, large himotoshi. LENGTH 5.8 cm Condition: Very good condition, minor expected surface wear. Provenance: The Robert S. Huthart Collection.