127 - † A SUPERB AND LARGE WOOD OKIMONO OF RYUJIN WITH A DRAGON

† A SUPERB AND LARGE WOOD OKIMONO OF RYUJIN WITH A DRAGON Japan, late 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912) Masterfully carved, the dramatic composition depicting Ryujin, the mighty Dragon King of the Seas, standing in a commanding pose beside a magnificent, sinuous dragon. The deity is portrayed as an imposing warrior, his fierce face finely modeled with deeply furrowed brows, piercing eyes, a prominent nose, and a finely incised mustache and beard. His head is crowned by an elaborate diadem and a dramatic coiffure of swept-back, flame-like locks. He is clad in richly ornamented armor, the breastplate meticulously carved with scrolling foliage and cloud motifs, further detailed with finely articulated fastenings, overlapping plates, and elaborate beast-mask shoulder guards. His flowing robes and billowing scarves are gathered in intricately carved bows across the chest and waist, their deeply undercut folds lending the figure a striking sense of movement. One arm is raised high, firmly grasping a tall trident, while the other is lowered at his side holding a sword. The magnificent dragon coils dramatically around the deity, its powerful, finely scaled body twisting upward behind him before descending in sweeping, undulating curves. Its ferocious head emerges at the front of the composition, with open jaws revealing sharp fangs, framed by prominent horns, flowing whiskers, and an elaborately curling mane, while its muscular limbs terminate in sharply defined claws. The intricate interplay of the two figures, with their richly detailed surfaces and deeply carved openings, creates a remarkably dynamic and sculpturally accomplished composition. HEIGHT 35 cm Condition: Good condition with minor wear and small age cracks. Professional restorations to the tip of the trident, the connecting bridge, and the dragon's body. Overall presenting beautifully. Ryujin, the legendary Dragon King of the Seas, occupies a prominent position in Japanese mythology, revered as a powerful deity commanding the oceans, tides, and weather. Traditionally believed to reside in the magnificent underwater palace of Ryugu-jo, he possesses sacred jewels (tama) through which he controls the ebb and flow of the tides. Ryujin is variously depicted as a majestic dragon or in human form as an imposing, richly armored ruler, frequently accompanied by a dragon symbolizing his dominion over the waters. Auction comparison: Compare a closely related wood okimono depicting Ryujin and a dragon, by Rokkado, dated to the late 19th century, Meiji period, 27 cm high, at Zacke, Fine Japanese Art, Vienna, lot 183 (sold for EUR 20,020). 13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer's premium - only for buyers within the EU.