129 - † A RARE AND LARGE BURLWOOD ‘DRAGON’ SCHOLAR’S ROCK

† A RARE AND LARGE BURLWOOD ‘DRAGON’ SCHOLAR’S ROCK Japan, Edo period (1615-1868) Superbly carved from an exceptionally gnarled piece of burlwood, the dramatic composition rising in an intricate arrangement of twisting roots, rugged outcrops, and deeply undercut openings, evoking a fantastical mountain landscape inhabited by a writhing dragon. The creature emerges from the uppermost section, its expressive head projecting to one side, with a prominent eye, open jaws, and jagged hornlike protuberances. Its sinuous body arches across the upper section before merging with the intertwining roots and branches below, their natural knots and clawlike projections enhancing the impression of movement and vitality. Several reishi (lingzhi) fungi, with their characteristic lobed and curling forms, are skillfully integrated into the rugged composition. The richly textured wood displays an attractive, warm golden-brown patina, with darker tones accentuating the deep recesses and natural contours. HEIGHT 49 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor wear and natural imperfections to the wood, including age cracks. The appreciation of scholar's rocks and naturally contorted wood originated in Chinese literati culture, where unusual formations were prized for their ability to evoke miniature mountain landscapes and the transformative forces of nature. This tradition profoundly influenced Japanese aesthetics, particularly among the bunjin (literati) and followers of sencha tea culture during the Edo period. Naturally twisted roots, weathered timber, and richly figured burlwood were admired for their expressive silhouettes and unusual textures, often suggesting mountains, mythical creatures, or other fantastical forms. Such objects were treasured for the interplay between their natural formation and the imagination of the observer, embodying an aesthetic in which the beauty of the material was enhanced rather than concealed by the hand of the artist. The present lot offers a particularly imaginative interpretation of this artistic tradition, transforming the intricate knots and cavernous openings of burlwood into a fantastical landscape inhabited by a writhing dragon. In Japanese culture, the dragon (ryu) is a powerful auspicious creature associated with water, rainfall, vitality, and protection, while the reishi fungi symbolize longevity and immortality. Here, the mythical beast appears to emerge almost spontaneously from the natural contours of the wood, its sinuous form merging seamlessly with the rugged landscape. The sculpture beautifully captures the interplay between nature and artistic imagination that lies at the heart of Japanese literati aesthetics. Auction comparison: Compare a related Japanese rootwood figure of a fugu (puffer fish), dated to the Edo period, 21 cm long, likewise exploiting the natural knots and irregularities of the wood to suggest an animal form, at Zacke, Asian Art Discoveries, 3 September 2024, Vienna, lot 713 (sold for EUR 2,860). 13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer's premium - only for buyers within the EU.