Late 19th century, Meiji, Japanese Ojime bead depicting a dragon in Chinese archaic style.
Iron repoussé with gold foil onlays. Notice the dragon's body wrapping around the bead.
The archaic looking face is stylized in a way which is found more often in Chinese art.
Henri Joly's book "Legend in Japanese Art" could greatly enhance your enjoyment
of subject matter and symbolism in Ojime -and Japanese art in general.
You just gave me the best present idea for someone who is the worst nightmare when it comes to presents. I suppose this book also explores the ukiyo-e?
Thanks again!
Because many of the legends overlap and include more than one character, someone went to the trouble of writing a cross referenced index. This index is also very useful.
