Artwork preview

Netsuke of Coiled Dragon Enclosing a Pearl

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Small figurine of a dragon curled around a pearl. The figurine is made from off-white material with darker brown details, possibly ivory. The base of the figurine is oval-shaped. The dragon's body coils around the base and up towards the top, forming a circular shape. Its scales are intricately carved with diamond and curved line patterns. The dragon's head is carved at the top, facing to the right, with its mouth open. A small red spot is on the right side. A round pearl is visible within the coils of the dragon's body. The background of the image is a plain off-white color.

Artwork details

Date:
late 18th century
Medium:
Ivory
Culture:
Japan
Dimensions:
600 × 400 px
Museum record:
View original
Palette