Antique Japanese Bronze Ryu Dragon Figurine, Taisho (1912-1926) | SKU: 26M-856

Antique Japanese Bronze Ryu Dragon Figurine, Taisho (1912-1926) | SKU: 26M-856

A masterfully cast bronze ryu -- the legendary Japanese dragon -- rendered in extraordinary detail with a rich amber and verdigris patina earned over a century of age.

A ryu is the Japanese dragon, a creature of immense symbolic power representing wisdom, strength, and good fortune in both Shinto and Buddhist traditions. Unlike the fearsome dragons of Western mythology, the ryu was revered as a benevolent guardian of water, sky, and imperial authority. This antique bronze sculpture captures the ryu in a dynamic resting pose -- its sinuous, scale-covered body coiling low to the ground while the head rears upward with open jaws, streaming whiskers, and alert spiraling eyes. Every surface is alive with finely worked detail: individually rendered overlapping scales cover the full length of the body, sharp dorsal spines run along the spine, and each of the four powerful legs ends in a set of curved, talon-like claws. The casting quality speaks to a skilled Taisho-period bronze artisan, working in a tradition of Japanese antique metalwork that had been refined over centuries.

This antique Japanese dragon figurine brings immediate presence to any interior. Display it on a living room shelf or console as a bold decorative accent in a Japandi style or wabi-sabi aesthetic setting, where its aged bronze tones complement natural materials and neutral palettes. It works equally well as a home office statement piece -- placed on a desk or bookcase, the ryu's watchful gaze adds gravitas and an air of scholarly tradition. With its compact footprint and dramatic sculptural form, it also makes a genuinely unique housewarming gift or a treasured addition to any collection of Japanese antique art and bronze figurines.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1912-1926 (Taisho)
• Material: Cast bronze with natural amber and verdigris patina
• Use: Decorative sculpture; auspicious household or altar ornament representing protection and good fortune
• Modern Use: Living room accent or shelf display; home office desktop figurine; unique gift for collectors of Japanese antique art
• Features: Full-body ryu dragon in resting pose with raised head; finely cast overlapping scales across the entire body; sharp dorsal spines; open jaws with detailed teeth and whiskers; spiraling eyes; multi-clawed feet; rich two-tone bronze and verdigris surface patina throughout; one foreleg detached but present
• Dimensions: 9"W x 4"D x 4"H
• Condition: Good antique condition consistent with age; one foreleg is detached but included -- may be reattached; natural patina and surface wear throughout add to the character of the piece

A rare and commanding piece of Japanese antique bronze sculpture -- the ryu dragon stands as an enduring symbol of power and wisdom, ready to guard and inspire any modern home.

We use professional studio lighting to highlight the natural character of the wood. As a result, the tone may appear slightly warmer than under natural daylight.

All antique items are sold as-is. Each piece may exhibit signs of age, including scratches, wear, or minor imperfections. These are not considered defects but natural evidence of the item’s authenticity and age.