Okimono: Dragon

2004.13.0026

Thumbnail of Okimono: Dragon (2004.13.0026)

Detailed Images

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Basic Information

Artifact Identification	Okimono: Dragon (2004.13.0026)
Classification/ Nomenclature	Communication Artifacts : Art : N/A
Artist/Maker	None
Geographic Location	Asia, East : Japan
Period/Date	Late Edo Period (1603-1868) - Early Meiji Period (1868-1912), 19th century
Culture	Japanese

Physical Analysis

Dimension 1 (Length)	33 cm
Dimension 2 (Width)	7.2 cm
Dimension 3 (Height)	5.5 cm
Weight	96 g
Measuring Remarks	Width is at back legs with toes. Height is at back legs including the flame like spines. 12 1/2” long as per Bernie McManus appraisal.
Materials	Plant--Wood, Varnish--Lacquer
Manufacturing Processes	Carved
Munsell Color Information	N/A

Research Remarks

Published Description	N/A
Description	"A very rare and finely detailed Japanese articulated wood dragon okimono, inlaid eyes, one tail flame restored. 19th centruy, 12 1/2” long. No comparable for this creature, in this size, could be found in any kind of wood. Unlike the Imperial Chinese dragon which has five toes, the Japanese dragon (tatsu) has three toes. The dragon is one of the twelve animals of the duodenary cycle; it is thought to have supernatural powers. Of all the supernatural creatures, none is more often represented in the Japanese fine and decorative arts. The dragon’s claws are in the fork of the lightning, his scales glisten and he reveals himself in the storm clouds; he is the spirit of change and of life." - Bernie McManus, Appraiser, Woodbury House, Connecticut, 9/15/2004
Comparanda	N/A
Bibliography	N/A

Artifact History

Archaeological Data	N/A
Credit Line/Dedication	Fred A. Freund Collection
Reproduction	N/A
Reproduction Information	N/A

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