Project Description
Stag antler otoshizutsu pipecase, dragons by Ryusai
A virtuoso exercise in stag antler carving, the surface broken as if to suggest clouds, through and around which wind two attenuated rain dragons, the hind quarters of one protruding from the main body of the pipe case in elegant volutes, the bodies highlighted by extensive inked stippling to the background. Two eyes inlaid in dark horn. A small himotoshi is pierced through the mane of the downward facing dragon and the whole surface has exceptionally pleasing stain and polish.
Signed: Ryusai with a red seal below
Provenance:
Dr. James Rose, Maryland
MR1
