内なる竜を宿す巻き竜 - Boxwood

Boxwood Netsuke — Coiled Dragon with Hidden Inner Dragon

A masterfully carved boxwood netsuke depicting a dragon coiled into a compact, curled form, its scaled body rendered with fine, detailed relief work throughout. What makes this piece especially remarkable is its hidden feature: the body separates to reveal a smaller dragon figure carved within the hollow interior — a testament to the technical ingenuity often found in fine netsuke carving.

The exterior surface carries a dense, confident depiction of dragon scales and clawed limbs, while the reverse bears a carved two-character signature near the himotoshi, though the exact reading remains unclear. Both himotoshi (cord holes) are present, consistent with age and genuine use as an accessory.

Item Specifics

Type: Netsuke
Subject: Coiled Dragon with Inner Dragon (opening/puzzle form)
Material: Boxwood (tsuge)
Signature: Two-character signature present, reading unclear
Himotoshi: Present, age-consistent wear
Period: 20th
Condition: Good
Width: 5 cm
Height: 2.5 cm