Netsuke, ivory. Japan, 19th cent.
An amusingly dynamic scene - an oni (demon) is in a boat with a ferocious dragon head. Oni poles his vehicle forcefully with a long stick. He is dressed and displays the horn stump and three-toes, typical for this creature. Behind him is a full sack. Around the boat is strong movement of waves, beneath bordered himotoshi and signature KO-GYOKU 光 玉 on small red inlaid plates. Good patina and preservation.
LENGTH 6,1 CM
From an old German collection