Vintage Japanese Ryu Dragon Wood Sculpture with Tama, Mid-Showa 1946-1965 | SKU: 26J-0564-1

Vintage Japanese Ryu Dragon Wood Sculpture with Tama, Mid-Showa 1946-1965 | SKU: 26J-0564-1

A monumental hand-carved dragon with tama -- a powerful symbol of wisdom, protection, and good fortune in East Asian tradition.

A ryu, or dragon, is one of the most revered figures in Japanese and broader East Asian iconography, symbolizing strength, divine power, and auspicious fortune. This impressive standing sculpture depicts a ryu in full upright form, its sinuous body densely covered in hand-cut overlapping scales that flow from a coiled tail base up through the torso to an elaborately carved head crowned with a full mane of flowing spines and whiskers. The creature clutches a large tama -- the sacred jewel or dragon pearl representing wisdom and cosmic energy -- cradled within its coiled lower body. A row of sharp dorsal spines rises along the back, and the open clawed feet and expressive face add dramatic presence. Carved from a single piece of warm-toned hardwood with consistent grain and a rich natural finish, this is the kind of handcrafted Japanese decorative craft that demands attention from every angle. The scale of detail -- thousands of individually tooled scale impressions -- speaks to exceptional patience and skill from a mid-Showa period artisan.

Standing nearly two and a half feet tall, this vintage dragon sculpture commands any space it occupies. In a modern home, it works beautifully as a living room accent on a console table, bookshelf, or mantelpiece, anchoring a room with bold sculptural energy. Its warm natural wood tones suit a Japandi style interior or a wabi-sabi aesthetic equally well, and its commanding height makes it a natural focal point in an entryway or home office. With its auspicious symbolism and striking presence, it also makes a unique housewarming gift or a standout addition to any collection of Asian vintage art and vintage Japanese craft.

• Origin: East Asia, consistent with mid-Showa era Japanese or regional decorative craft production
• Era: 1946-1965 (Mid Showa)
• Material: Hardwood, hand-carved; warm medium-brown tone with natural finish -- specific species unconfirmed
• Use: Decorative display; auspicious ornament symbolizing power and good fortune
• Modern Use: Living room statement sculpture; entryway focal point; unique housewarming gift for collectors and Japanophiles
• Features: Full upright ryu (dragon) figure with densely hand-carved overlapping scales across the entire body; elaborate mane with radiating spines and whiskers; open clawed feet; large tama (sacred jewel) cradled in coiled tail base; row of dorsal spines along back; carved from a single piece of hardwood
• Dimensions: 8"W x 10"D x 28 1/2"H
• Condition: Good vintage condition; minor wear consistent with age; inspect photos for any small losses to fine spike or claw tips

A striking piece of vintage Japanese decorative art -- handcrafted with extraordinary detail and imbued with centuries of auspicious symbolism, ready to bring strength and character to any modern interior.

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 vintage 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.