Small Dragon in Foliage

This small, but highly animated and energetic drawing depicts a dragon enmeshed with a spiral of saz foliage. Originating in a single point--a curled root clutched in the dragon's tiny claw at center right--the vine bears serrated leaves, five-petaled blossoms, and complex palmettes. With particular emphasis to the dragon's backbone, the artist has exerted superb control of the swelling and tapering of line.