Waun Watanabe – Fukuryu Auspicious Dragon Sculpture – Japanese Metalwork - metal - Waun Watanabe - Japan - Shōwa period (1926-1989)
04
days
02
hours
25
minutes
58
seconds
No bids placed
Catawiki Buyer Protection
Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details
Trustpilot 4.4 | 144058 reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.
Japanese metal sculpture by Waun Watanabe, Fukuryu Auspicious Dragon, copper-based metal, 8.5 cm high and 21.5 cm wide, from the Shōwa period, original/official, in excellent condition.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Waun Watanabe — Fukuryu, Auspicious Dragon Metal Sculpture, Japan
– Japanese metal sculpture attributed to Waun Watanabe
– Dynamic dragon form with elongated body and finely modelled scales
– Traditional auspicious subject symbolising power and good fortune
Summary: An expressive Japanese metal sculpture depicting a fukuryu, or auspicious dragon, attributed to Waun Watanabe. The creature is represented in an energetic, flowing composition, with its long body rising and falling in a sequence of pronounced curves.
The dragon's head is lifted, with prominent horns, an open mouth and long, slender whiskers extending forward. Carefully modelled scales cover the elongated body, while the legs and claws provide points of visual balance.
The sinuous form is particularly striking. Rather than depicting a rigid standing animal, the sculptor has arranged the dragon into a continuous rhythm of curves, creating a strong impression of movement.
The metallic surface has a subdued golden-bronze appearance, allowing the sculpted details to emerge through changing reflections. The restrained finish emphasises the animal's form without relying on elaborate applied colour.
Dragons occupy an important position in East Asian symbolism. Unlike the destructive dragons frequently encountered in European folklore, Japanese and Chinese dragons are often associated with water, prosperity, beneficial power and the forces of nature.
The dragon is also one of the twelve animals of the East Asian zodiac, giving representations of the creature additional significance as auspicious decorative objects.
The title Fukuryu emphasises the association with good fortune. The figure may be appreciated as a traditional decorative sculpture or as an example of expressive Japanese metal casting.
Artist attribution: Waun Watanabe
Subject: Auspicious dragon
Material: Metal, described as copper-based
Condition: Vintage condition with visible marks, discolouration and surface wear from long-term storage.
A dynamic decorative object for collectors of Japanese metalwork, dragon imagery and traditional auspicious sculpture.
Shipping & Handling
We ship worldwide via DHL or EMS with full insurance and tracking. Professional packing ensures safe arrival; combined shipping available for multiple wins. Local customs duties are the buyer’s responsibility.
Seller Guarantee
We specialise in authentic Japanese art and collectibles and guarantee this piece’s authenticity. Questions welcome – we reply within 24 hours.
1788
This listing contains AI Visualisations. Please refer to the original photographs for the actual object condition.
Seller's Story
Hello, and thank you for visiting my page. I primarily handle Japanese antiques, as well as Western antiques, art pieces, and pre-loved items that have been cherished in Japan. Growing up in a family of historians—my grandfather was a historian and my father was an archaeologist—I have always been captivated by the eras and stories these historic objects and works of art carry with them.
My listings feature collections from both Japan and the West, pieces that have stood the test of time and remained beloved through the ages. Through these rare treasures, I hope to share with you the delight of ownership and discovery. As a professional, I strive for honest and sincere transactions to ensure customer satisfaction, always leveraging my experience and eye for quality.
I strongly believe in not letting buyers down, so I describe items as accurately and thoroughly as possible, prioritizing secure and careful packaging. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out. It would be my pleasure to help enrich your collecting experience.
Thank you for your interest, and I look forward to doing business with you.
Waun Watanabe — Fukuryu, Auspicious Dragon Metal Sculpture, Japan
– Japanese metal sculpture attributed to Waun Watanabe
– Dynamic dragon form with elongated body and finely modelled scales
– Traditional auspicious subject symbolising power and good fortune
Summary: An expressive Japanese metal sculpture depicting a fukuryu, or auspicious dragon, attributed to Waun Watanabe. The creature is represented in an energetic, flowing composition, with its long body rising and falling in a sequence of pronounced curves.
The dragon's head is lifted, with prominent horns, an open mouth and long, slender whiskers extending forward. Carefully modelled scales cover the elongated body, while the legs and claws provide points of visual balance.
The sinuous form is particularly striking. Rather than depicting a rigid standing animal, the sculptor has arranged the dragon into a continuous rhythm of curves, creating a strong impression of movement.
The metallic surface has a subdued golden-bronze appearance, allowing the sculpted details to emerge through changing reflections. The restrained finish emphasises the animal's form without relying on elaborate applied colour.
Dragons occupy an important position in East Asian symbolism. Unlike the destructive dragons frequently encountered in European folklore, Japanese and Chinese dragons are often associated with water, prosperity, beneficial power and the forces of nature.
The dragon is also one of the twelve animals of the East Asian zodiac, giving representations of the creature additional significance as auspicious decorative objects.
The title Fukuryu emphasises the association with good fortune. The figure may be appreciated as a traditional decorative sculpture or as an example of expressive Japanese metal casting.
Artist attribution: Waun Watanabe
Subject: Auspicious dragon
Material: Metal, described as copper-based
Condition: Vintage condition with visible marks, discolouration and surface wear from long-term storage.
A dynamic decorative object for collectors of Japanese metalwork, dragon imagery and traditional auspicious sculpture.
Shipping & Handling
We ship worldwide via DHL or EMS with full insurance and tracking. Professional packing ensures safe arrival; combined shipping available for multiple wins. Local customs duties are the buyer’s responsibility.
Seller Guarantee
We specialise in authentic Japanese art and collectibles and guarantee this piece’s authenticity. Questions welcome – we reply within 24 hours.
1788
This listing contains AI Visualisations. Please refer to the original photographs for the actual object condition.
Seller's Story
Hello, and thank you for visiting my page. I primarily handle Japanese antiques, as well as Western antiques, art pieces, and pre-loved items that have been cherished in Japan. Growing up in a family of historians—my grandfather was a historian and my father was an archaeologist—I have always been captivated by the eras and stories these historic objects and works of art carry with them.
My listings feature collections from both Japan and the West, pieces that have stood the test of time and remained beloved through the ages. Through these rare treasures, I hope to share with you the delight of ownership and discovery. As a professional, I strive for honest and sincere transactions to ensure customer satisfaction, always leveraging my experience and eye for quality.
I strongly believe in not letting buyers down, so I describe items as accurately and thoroughly as possible, prioritizing secure and careful packaging. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out. It would be my pleasure to help enrich your collecting experience.
Thank you for your interest, and I look forward to doing business with you.
Details
Dynastic Style/Period
Shōwa period (1926-1989)
Number of objects
1
Artist
Waun Watanabe
Country of Origin
Japan
Material
metal
Height
8.5 cm
Width
21.5 cm
Title of artwork
Waun Watanabe – Fukuryu Auspicious Dragon Sculpture – Japanese Metalwork
Condition
Excellent condition
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
