A well-shaped and large patinated bronze okimono of a coiled Ryu dragon 龍 on a circular base - Patinated bronze - Japan - Meiji period (late 19th century)
To celebrate the start of the New Year of the Dragon according to the Chinese lunar calendar, a symbol of magnanimous power, strength and harmony, we are pleased to offer this bronze okimono depicting a Ryu 龍 dragon coiled around itself on a circular base.
The dragon's tail and legs, with their three claws, are carefully shaped to support the okimono's body so that the dragon can stand on itself in an upright position.
The dragon Ryu 龍 is a deity who lives in water and has the power to control rain.
In the stories, the Ryu request Buddhist treasures, particularly relics, sometimes in exchange for calmed storms. In their underwater kingdoms they guard treasures, such as jewels and Buddhist texts.
Particularly when called Dragon Kings they may appear independently in paintings, or they may be shown in groups or as servants of Buddhist deities.
---The okimono is in excellent condition. Slight wear consistent with age and a chipped tooth in the mouth. Please refer to the images for further details.
The history of bronzes, silver and enamels is closely linked to that of an iconic figure of Japan: the Samurai. For the entire Edo period, i. e. from 1603 to 1868, the effective elite in control of the territory was precisely that of the Samurai. In fact, they were the ones who governed, under the guidance of the Daimyo, the various provinces of the country.
When the Edo period ended and the Meiji Restoration began, Japan's social structure underwent a radical change.
On March 28, 1876, the Haitorei edict was issued. With this provision, samurai were prohibited from carrying swords in public, under penalty of confiscation of the weapon.
This state of affairs threw the metal craftsmen into despair and they suddenly found themselves without trade.
It was only an initial phase however, because within a short time the artisans themselves reinvented themselves. Over time they had in fact refined extraordinary artistic skills. Declining their mastery into an alternative production was therefore almost a natural consequence. No longer being able to dedicate themselves to the manufacture of accessories for armor and swords, they began producing articles for everyday use. And in many cases of decorative objects.
It was the beginning of a great success. Soon the copious artistic production had concrete results. In fact, it did not go unnoticed in the eyes of foreign diplomats, travelers and military advisors who were in Japan at that time.
But national borders were soon crossed and Japan's participation in world fairs and exhibitions was not long in coming. Hence the real explosion of interest in these sublime works of art. All this translated into an increase in demand from Europe and Anglo-Saxon countries in particular which still appreciate Japanese art today.
--- We will pack your item with extreme care and entrust it to DHL or Fed. Ex who will deliver it within 1-3 days. Insurance is included.
The certificate of authenticity compiled by Luca Mastromauro, a Japanese art expert, will be given to the buyer. ---
100
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To celebrate the start of the New Year of the Dragon according to the Chinese lunar calendar, a symbol of magnanimous power, strength and harmony, we are pleased to offer this bronze okimono depicting a Ryu 龍 dragon coiled around itself on a circular base.
The dragon's tail and legs, with their three claws, are carefully shaped to support the okimono's body so that the dragon can stand on itself in an upright position.
The dragon Ryu 龍 is a deity who lives in water and has the power to control rain.
In the stories, the Ryu request Buddhist treasures, particularly relics, sometimes in exchange for calmed storms. In their underwater kingdoms they guard treasures, such as jewels and Buddhist texts.
Particularly when called Dragon Kings they may appear independently in paintings, or they may be shown in groups or as servants of Buddhist deities.
---The okimono is in excellent condition. Slight wear consistent with age and a chipped tooth in the mouth. Please refer to the images for further details.
The history of bronzes, silver and enamels is closely linked to that of an iconic figure of Japan: the Samurai. For the entire Edo period, i. e. from 1603 to 1868, the effective elite in control of the territory was precisely that of the Samurai. In fact, they were the ones who governed, under the guidance of the Daimyo, the various provinces of the country.
When the Edo period ended and the Meiji Restoration began, Japan's social structure underwent a radical change.
On March 28, 1876, the Haitorei edict was issued. With this provision, samurai were prohibited from carrying swords in public, under penalty of confiscation of the weapon.
This state of affairs threw the metal craftsmen into despair and they suddenly found themselves without trade.
It was only an initial phase however, because within a short time the artisans themselves reinvented themselves. Over time they had in fact refined extraordinary artistic skills. Declining their mastery into an alternative production was therefore almost a natural consequence. No longer being able to dedicate themselves to the manufacture of accessories for armor and swords, they began producing articles for everyday use. And in many cases of decorative objects.
It was the beginning of a great success. Soon the copious artistic production had concrete results. In fact, it did not go unnoticed in the eyes of foreign diplomats, travelers and military advisors who were in Japan at that time.
But national borders were soon crossed and Japan's participation in world fairs and exhibitions was not long in coming. Hence the real explosion of interest in these sublime works of art. All this translated into an increase in demand from Europe and Anglo-Saxon countries in particular which still appreciate Japanese art today.
--- We will pack your item with extreme care and entrust it to DHL or Fed. Ex who will deliver it within 1-3 days. Insurance is included.
The certificate of authenticity compiled by Luca Mastromauro, a Japanese art expert, will be given to the buyer. ---
100
Estimate
Time, Location
Auction House
