Japanese Carved Pot with Dragon in Clouds Decoration

Creamy drum of a box, wrapped in coiling scrolls like frosting piped by an expert.

This carved bone pot with dragon in clouds decoration is from Japan, and dates to the 19th century. The dragon among clouds is a common motif in East Asian art, where dragons are generally linked to water, rain and the heavens. Short, wide cylinder with an open top and a pale cream surface. Deep relief carving circles the body in swirling vines and rounded curls. A raised ridge rims the opening, and the color warms slightly in the hollows of the design. It is 1.63 inches high and 2.38 in diameter.

It looks edible, which flatters the carver and endangers guests.