About This Piece With its gold-colored body sweeping upward in a dramatic curve, piercing eyes staring forward from beneath prominent brows, and remarkably detailed fangs, whiskers, scales, and powerful claws, this dynamic bronze dragon raises a single golden orb high in its right hand. Form and Detail The first impression comes from the dragon’s sweeping silhouette as its long body rises in a broad, flowing curve. Look closer, however, and an extraordinary amount of detail begins to reveal itself. The head is modeled with sharp horns and long, dignified whiskers. Beneath the strongly projecting brows, both eyes are rendered with a piercing gaze directed straight ahead. Fine relief continues around the nose, while the slightly open mouth reveals a row of sharply pointed fangs and even a clearly modeled tongue within. Following the form from the head down the body, closely arranged scales cover the neck, torso, and long tail. Pointed spines run along the back, while the limbs terminate in powerful claws reminiscent of a lion’s. The long tail follows the undulating movement of the body before turning slightly upward at its tip. From the horns, brows and eyes to the whiskers, fangs, tongue, scales, dorsal spines, claws, and tail, new details appear as the eye travels around the sculpture. The Golden Orb One of the most striking elements within this intricate composition is the golden orb held high in the dragon’s raised right hand. In contrast to the richly textured dragon—with its scales, whiskers, and sharp claws—the orb is formed as a smooth sphere. Following the great curve of the dragon’s body upward leads to this single golden orb, creating a distinctive composition that directly reflects the work’s title, Gyokuryū (玉竜). The golden orb is also removable. It can be displayed as supplied, or replaced with a crystal or another sphere of your own. This adds another dimension to the piece: alongside the exceptionally detailed dragon itself, the object held in its raised hand can be changed for a different display. Motif and Symbolism Gyokuryū (玉竜) depicts a dragon holding a hōju (宝珠), or sacred wish-fulfilling jewel, an auspicious motif in Japan. The jewel held by the dragon has traditionally been regarded as a symbol of the power to fulfil wishes. The golden hōju raised by this dragon is associated with good fortune in money and wealth, prosperity in business, as well as success in competition, decisiveness, and strength in facing challenges. The dragon is also regarded as a protective presence associated with dispelling negative influences, encouraging the circulation of positive energy, and guarding the home or workplace. In Japan, auspicious objects of this kind may be displayed in a meaningful place while making a personal wish or prayer. There is also an interesting modern connection: the ancient combination of dragon, orb, and the fulfilment of wishes has influenced Japanese popular culture. Some viewers may find this combination surprisingly familiar. Surface and Presence The overall surface is gold-colored. Beneath the gold-colored surface is an extensive network of finely modeled relief, clearly defining the scales, whiskers, facial features, back, and claws. As this piece has been stored for a long period, the gold color has become dulled in some areas, and areas of bronze coloration are visible. Please refer to the photographs for the actual appearance of the surface. The sculpture weighs approximately 1,480 g. Together with its strongly undulating form, this gives the bronze piece substantial weight and stability. Artist, Title and Tomobako The artist is Isshin (一進), and the work is titled Gyokuryū (玉竜). It is accompanied by its paulownia-wood tomobako (共箱). The title “Gyokuryū” and the artist’s name are handwritten by the artist on the box, together with a seal. Condition This piece has been stored for a long period. The overall surface is gold-colored, with some areas of dulling to the gold color due to age and storage, as well as areas where the bronze coloration is visible. Please refer to the photographs for the actual condition, including the finely detailed areas of the sculpture. Important Information 1. About the Interior Display Images Images showing the piece displayed in an interior setting have been created virtually to illustrate how the piece may look when displayed indoors. The piece itself has not been edited or altered in these images. For the actual size of the piece, please refer to the dimensions stated in the description. For the actual color and condition, please refer to the photographs showing the piece itself. 2. Shipping to Italy Shipments to Italy may be subject to additional inspection at the discretion of the Italian customs authorities. Any costs associated with such additional inspections are the responsibility of the buyer. Additional inspections may also cause delays in customs clearance and delivery. Please make your purchase with an understanding of these possibilities. 3. Shipping, Import Duties and Customs Clearance The item will be carefully packed and shipped via DHL or Japan Post. The usual delivery time is approximately 1–2 weeks, although delivery may take longer depending on customs procedures and local delivery conditions. Import duties, taxes, customs clearance fees, and any other charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. Any such charges incurred in the destination country are the responsibility of the buyer. If the item is returned due to refusal to pay import duties, taxes, or other customs-related charges, refusal to accept delivery, or failure to complete the required customs procedures, the buyer will be responsible for the costs associated with the return and reshipment. Thank you for your understanding.