Antique Japanese Bronze Dragon Sculpture with Tama, Taisho era (1912-1926) | SKU: 26M-888

Antique Japanese Bronze Dragon Sculpture with Tama, Taisho era (1912-1926) | SKU: 26M-888

A masterfully cast antique Japanese bronze dragon clutching the sacred tama -- a symbol of wisdom, power, and celestial fortune.

A ryu is the Japanese dragon -- a benevolent celestial deity representing strength, wisdom, and the forces of water and sky. Bronze ryu sculptures like this one were prized objects in Meiji and Taisho-era Japanese households, displayed in tokonoma alcoves and on scholars' desks as talismans of good fortune and refinement. Cast in rich brown-patinated bronze, this dynamic figure coils its serpentine body low to the ground while rearing its horned head upward in an assertive, spiraling pose -- a composition that conveys tremendous energy held in elegant tension. The dragon grips the tama, or sacred jewel, in one foreclaw, a motif deeply rooted in Japanese and wider East Asian iconography symbolizing enlightenment and cosmic power. Every surface rewards close inspection: finely stippled scales cover the body from neck to tail tip, individually modeled claws extend from each limb with razor precision, and the swept-back whiskers, branching antlers, and curling nasal horns of the head are rendered with the confident hand of a skilled bronze foundry artisan. This is a distinguished example of handcrafted Japanese antique sculpture at its most expressive.

This commanding bronze ryu makes an exceptional living room accent or home office statement piece for collectors drawn to Japanese antique art and wabi-sabi aesthetic. Displayed on a shelf, mantelpiece, or low sideboard, its dramatic silhouette reads beautifully from multiple angles -- the coiling tail forming a stable, sprawling base while the raised head draws the eye upward. It pairs naturally with natural stone, raw wood, or lacquered surfaces and fits seamlessly into Japandi-style interiors. A rare and meaningful housewarming gift or gift for collectors of East Asian antiques, it brings over a century of Japanese craft tradition into any modern home.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1912-1926 (Taisho)
• Material: Cast bronze with rich dark brown patina
• Use: Decorative sculpture; tokonoma display piece; scholar's desk ornament
• Modern Use: Living room accent sculpture; home office or study desk display; entryway statement piece
• Features: Rearing ryu dragon in dynamic coiled pose; dragon clutching sacred tama jewel in foreclaw; finely detailed scales covering full body; individually modeled claws on all limbs; swept-back whiskers, branching antlers, and curling nasal horns on head; deep warm brown patina throughout; multi-angle display composition
• Dimensions: 9"W x 4"D x 8"H
• Condition: Excellent

A rare and powerful piece of Japanese antique bronze sculpture -- over a century of craft and symbolism captured in a single breathtaking form.

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.