Dragonfly

This manju netsuke skillfully combines two powerful and deeply revered symbols in Japanese culture.
The dragonfly (Tonbo) is a symbol of summer, courage, and victory. Its image was a popular talisman on armor and weapons, bringing good luck in battle.
The lotus (Hasu) is a crucial symbol in Buddhism, representing purity and enlightenment. It is a symbol of unblemished beauty, transcending the mundane world.
Takamakie on the background done in the gold Togidashi technique. The dragonfly’s body and lotus leaves are crafted using ikkaki-urushi and coated with gold, silver, and Marufun powder, while small stones are coated with bronze powder mixed with charcoal. I used the finest sheets of white mother-of-pearl for the dragonfly’s wings, and the veins were created using Marufun gold powder.

Size: 5.2 cm wide

2009. Russia, private collection