Shoryu (Ascending Dragon) - Statuette Stoneware - Japan
Starting bid
€ 1
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Selected by Giovanni Bottero
Holds a master’s in Japanese art history with over 10 years’ expertise in Asian art.
Estimate € 150 - € 250
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Description from the seller
Item Description
This is a striking ceramic dragon figurine titled "Shōryū" (Ascending Dragon), produced at Ryūzan-gama kiln in Seto ware tradition and bearing the signature of ceramic artist 前川電光 Maekawa Denkō. The piece features a dynamic composition with the dragon's head raised high and mouth open, its whiskers flowing, and a series of sharp spines running along its arched back and tail, all set upon a rock-shaped base.
Deep green and blue glazes flow powerfully across the surface, accentuating the detailed rendering of scales, claws, and horns. The underside of the base is unglazed, revealing the raw clay body, while the artist's seal is impressed on the front of the base.
A tomobako (wooden box with the artist's inscription) is included, attesting to the piece's provenance and excellent condition of preservation.
Dimensions
Height: 16.5 cm
Width: 23 cm
Depth: 12 cm
Weight
1350 g
Condition
Minor restoration work consistent with age is present, and the surface shows light scratches and soiling as visible in the photographs. As this is purely a decorative ornament, there are no functional issues; the piece is overall stable and in display-worthy condition.
Artist Profile
Maekawa was a ceramic artist working at Ryūzan-gama, a kiln within the Seto ware tradition of Aichi Prefecture, known for richly textured, sculptural animal figurines such as dragons and roosters finished in vivid flowing glazes. Works from this studio are typically presented with a tomobako bearing the artist's inscription and seal, as seen on the present piece.
Additional Information
Kiln: Ryūzan-gama (Seto ware)
Artist: Maekawa Denkō
Included: Tomobako with artist's inscription (wooden box)
NOITICE:
The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by Japan Post, DHL or FedEx depend on the situation.
It takes about 3 weeks to receive normally.
Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost.
These charges are the buyer's responsibility.
Sometimes Customes or delivery company in your country contact you for Customs clearance via phone or email. Please make sure that you could answer the phone. If you don't, the parcel will return to me and it cost more double shipping fee for reshipping.
I appreciate your cooperation.
Seller's Story
We have been experienced as an antique dealer for more than a decade, we select and purchase high-quality products from all over Japan. I carefully select items with good taste, whether famous or not. I offer you an encounter with unknown Japanese goods.
Owner Profile
Name: Michito Nagahiro
Born in 1986 in Sapporo, Hokkaido. From an early age, I have been fascinated by the beautiful and practical designs of Japanese art, antiques, and consumer products, as well as the mindset and dedication of craftsmen and artists. I frequently visited museums and solo exhibitions as part of my daily life.
In 2012, under the guidance of a top mentor in the industry, I established myself as an antique dealer, handling a wide range of items, including Japanese antiques and artworks. Since 2017, I have specialized in selling Japanese antiques and fine art, primarily in Europe, achieving over 20,000 successful sales to date.
In 2019, I launched a completely free service to support individuals in Japan who experience loneliness. This initiative involves personally visiting people, engaging in conversations, sharing meals, and, if necessary, providing career advice. More than 1,000 people reach out to me annually for support.
Additionally, I am committed to promoting and supporting the sales of emerging artists whose work has not yet received public recognition. My philosophy goes beyond merely selling objects—I strive to convey the stories, history, and emotions embedded in each piece. By doing so, I aim to connect people with the lives of the artists and bring inspiration to those who encounter their work.
Item Description
This is a striking ceramic dragon figurine titled "Shōryū" (Ascending Dragon), produced at Ryūzan-gama kiln in Seto ware tradition and bearing the signature of ceramic artist 前川電光 Maekawa Denkō. The piece features a dynamic composition with the dragon's head raised high and mouth open, its whiskers flowing, and a series of sharp spines running along its arched back and tail, all set upon a rock-shaped base.
Deep green and blue glazes flow powerfully across the surface, accentuating the detailed rendering of scales, claws, and horns. The underside of the base is unglazed, revealing the raw clay body, while the artist's seal is impressed on the front of the base.
A tomobako (wooden box with the artist's inscription) is included, attesting to the piece's provenance and excellent condition of preservation.
Dimensions
Height: 16.5 cm
Width: 23 cm
Depth: 12 cm
Weight
1350 g
Condition
Minor restoration work consistent with age is present, and the surface shows light scratches and soiling as visible in the photographs. As this is purely a decorative ornament, there are no functional issues; the piece is overall stable and in display-worthy condition.
Artist Profile
Maekawa was a ceramic artist working at Ryūzan-gama, a kiln within the Seto ware tradition of Aichi Prefecture, known for richly textured, sculptural animal figurines such as dragons and roosters finished in vivid flowing glazes. Works from this studio are typically presented with a tomobako bearing the artist's inscription and seal, as seen on the present piece.
Additional Information
Kiln: Ryūzan-gama (Seto ware)
Artist: Maekawa Denkō
Included: Tomobako with artist's inscription (wooden box)
NOITICE:
The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by Japan Post, DHL or FedEx depend on the situation.
It takes about 3 weeks to receive normally.
Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost.
These charges are the buyer's responsibility.
Sometimes Customes or delivery company in your country contact you for Customs clearance via phone or email. Please make sure that you could answer the phone. If you don't, the parcel will return to me and it cost more double shipping fee for reshipping.
I appreciate your cooperation.
Seller's Story
We have been experienced as an antique dealer for more than a decade, we select and purchase high-quality products from all over Japan. I carefully select items with good taste, whether famous or not. I offer you an encounter with unknown Japanese goods.
Owner Profile
Name: Michito Nagahiro
Born in 1986 in Sapporo, Hokkaido. From an early age, I have been fascinated by the beautiful and practical designs of Japanese art, antiques, and consumer products, as well as the mindset and dedication of craftsmen and artists. I frequently visited museums and solo exhibitions as part of my daily life.
In 2012, under the guidance of a top mentor in the industry, I established myself as an antique dealer, handling a wide range of items, including Japanese antiques and artworks. Since 2017, I have specialized in selling Japanese antiques and fine art, primarily in Europe, achieving over 20,000 successful sales to date.
In 2019, I launched a completely free service to support individuals in Japan who experience loneliness. This initiative involves personally visiting people, engaging in conversations, sharing meals, and, if necessary, providing career advice. More than 1,000 people reach out to me annually for support.
Additionally, I am committed to promoting and supporting the sales of emerging artists whose work has not yet received public recognition. My philosophy goes beyond merely selling objects—I strive to convey the stories, history, and emotions embedded in each piece. By doing so, I aim to connect people with the lives of the artists and bring inspiration to those who encounter their work.
Details
Era
1900-2000
Manufacturer/brand
Ryuzan kiln (Seto ware)
Country of origin
Japan
Material
Stoneware
Artist
Maekawa Denko (前川電光)
Title of artwork
Shoryu (Ascending Dragon)
Signature
Signed
Colour
Multicolour
Condition
Good condition
Height
16.5 cm
Width
23 cm
Depth
12 cm
Weight
1350 g
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