260 - † MASAMITSU: A SILVER AND GOLD MANJU NETSUKE OF A DRAGON

† MASAMITSU: A SILVER AND GOLD MANJU NETSUKE OF A DRAGON By Kikugawa Masamitsu, signed Masamitsu 正光 koku 刻 Japan, 19 th century Of thick circular form, somewhat reminiscent of a tama, finely worked in high relief with a powerful dragon writhing amid swirling clouds, its fierce head emerging prominently to the front, with bulging eyes, flaring nostrils, open jaws revealing sharp fangs, and long curling whiskers. Its sinuous body coils dynamically across the surface, the scales, mane, and surrounding cloud scrolls finely chased and engraved. Select details, including the whiskers, flames, and eyes, are highlighted in gold, providing a striking contrast against the silver ground. Central loop himotoshi to the reverse and signed MASAMITSU koku [carved by Masamitsu]. DIAMETER 3.5 cm, THICKNESS 2.3 cm WEIGHT 70 g (total) Condition: Excellent condition with minor wear. Kikugawa Masamitsu was a member of the distinguished Kikugawa family of metalworkers active in Edo (Tokyo) from the late Edo through the Meiji period. The family was renowned for its dynamic silver high-relief work, particularly powerful depictions of dragons and other creatures, often enhanced with gilt details. Auction comparison: Compare a closely related gold and silver kanamono depicting a powerful dragon in high relief, by a member of the Kikugawa family, signed Kikugawa, on a leather tabako-ire, at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 7 November 2025, Vienna, lot 61 (sold for EUR 4,680). Note the closely related combination of gold and silver, dynamic dragon imagery, and forceful high-relief metalwork. 13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer's premium - only for buyers within the EU.