A RARE ANTLER RYUSA MANJU NETSUKE OF A STYLIZED BAT DRAGON

A RARE ANTLER RYUSA MANJU NETSUKE OF A STYLIZED 'BAT' DRAGON
Unsigned
Japan, 19th century
Finely carved in openwork depicting a bat-like dragon in profile, its long curved beak screeching, surrounded by billowing clouds, the sides with neatly carved lotus leaves, the verso with stylized floral emblems and the himotoshi formed by one oval and one circular opening. The carving shares some characteristics with the famous Asakusa carvers but looks to be earlier of date.
DIAMETER 4.1 cm
Condition: Excellent condition with minor typical wear, natural imperfections.
Literature comparison:
A near-identical manju is illustrated in Joly, Henri L. (1966) The W. L. Behrens Collection, Part 1, Netsuke, pl. XXVII, no. 1498.