UN-RYU - DRAGON IN THE CLOUDS

- a netsuke carved in deer antler Art to display.

A unique and collectable netsuke by master carver Fumio Noguchi.

This exquisite work depicts UN-RYU - the cloud dragon of Japanese folklore - curled in a tight, sleeping pose. But look closer: both eyes are open, watching. The dragon is awake, aware, waiting.

This carving rewards a second, third and fourth look! From one angle, a creature at rest; from another, a guardian fully alert. Every scale, every curve of the coiled body is rendered with Fumio's signature precision. The dragon's form emerges organically from the dense warmth of deer antler - a material prized in netsuke for its strength and natural beauty.

In Japanese tradition, UN-RYU (雲龍) is the dragon ascending through clouds, a symbol of good fortune and celestial power. Dragons are revered as benevolent beings - water deities bringing rain and fertility, associated with transformation, strength, and protection. Ancient legend tells of a purple cloud descending from heaven and taking dragon form at a temple dedication ceremony in the year 596. To find UN-RYU coiled in watchful stillness is to glimpse that liminal space between worlds - the dragon poised between sleep and flight, cloud and sky.

This is a sculpture that reveals itself slowly, layer by layer. A piece for the discerning collector.

Take a close look at the photos, and the video to appreciate the detail of this piece.

will be delivered packaged in a woven kete pouch. One only - Delivery with Express Courier is included in the price.

Artist: Fumio Noguchi

Material: Deer Antler Crown with Mother of Pearl and Gold Leaf

Size: 54mm (2.1") long; 52mm (2") wide; 18mm (0.7") deep