Netsuke carving of Ryujin's assistant by Hidemasa.  
The assistant to the Dragon King wearing his octopus headdress and holding the Tama, a wish-granting jewel that controls the ebb and flow of tides, cleverly formed as two moving halves in a pierced container.
Go name of Hidemasa: Chingendo
Hidemasa lived in both Kyoto and Edo (Tokyo)
Signed on the left leg: Hidemasa
Date: late 18th century - early 19th century
Size: 10.3 cm long
Condition: Some age cracks lines on back but generally in good condition