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ID #SA1044153
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Superb Japanese Meiji/taisho (Early 20thc) Silver Minogame, Ryubundo Company
Sold by Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
sold SA1044153
Sorry, but this item has been sold.
Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art

Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art

Sellingantiques Verified Since Oct 2021
Browse dealers 35 items
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Id #SA1044153
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Superb Japanese Meiji/taisho (Early 20thc) Silver Minogame, Ryubundo Company

1900 - 1920
Sold 15 July 2025 · Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
This “Superb Japanese Meiji/taisho (Early 20thc) Silver Minogame, Ryubundo Company” found a buyer.

It was listed by Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

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Antique Metal AnimalAntique Silver TortoiseMeiji Period Silver Ask the dealer for something similar
Description

Beautiful Japanese early 20thC Meiji (1869-1912) or Taisho (1912-1926) era silver Minogame by the Ryubundo Company (Kyoto). Modelled with a typical exaggeratedly long, feathery tail, its head raised and turned slightly to the left, the details finely cast, eyes inlaid in gold and shakudo. Signed on the underside with chiselled characters ‘Ryubundo tsukuru’ with the stamped seal gin (silver) mark. Measures ca 29cm long x 15cm wide x 6cm high, weight 1.5kg.

Lovely condition and patina. Small dent in tail but does not detract from its beauty.

The minogame is a mythical turtle that can live many thousand years with a long feathery tail made of seaweed, and is a symbol of longevity and happiness.

Date of Manufacture

Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art has dated this Japanese Silver Minogame to the 1910s.

Physical Dimensions
Height
6cm (2.36")
Width
29cm (11.42")
Depth
15cm (5.91")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1044153
Dealers Internal Reference
AD597
Description
Beautiful Japanese early 20thC Meiji (1869-1912) or Taisho (1912-1926) era silver Minogame by the Ryubundo Company (Kyoto).
“
Modelled with a typical exaggeratedly long, feathery tail, its head raised and turned slightly to the left, the details finely cast, eyes inlaid in gold and shakudo.
Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art

Signed on the underside with chiselled characters ‘Ryubundo tsukuru’ with the stamped seal gin (silver) mark. Measures ca 29cm long x 15cm wide x 6cm high, weight 1.5kg.

fig 1. A detailed silver figure of a minogame turtle with an elongated seaweed tail, posed on short legs against a neutral background.
fig 1. Superb Japanese Meiji/taisho (Early 20thc) Silver Minogame, Ryubundo Company

Lovely condition and patina. Small dent in tail but does not detract from its beauty.

The minogame is a mythical turtle that can live many thousand years with a long feathery tail made of seaweed, and is a symbol of longevity and happiness.

Date of Manufacture

Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art has dated this Japanese Silver Minogame to the 1910s.

Height
6cm (2.36")
Width
29cm (11.42")
Depth
15cm (5.91")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1044153
Dealers Internal Ref
AD597
Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
Sellingantiques verified Since Oct 2021
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art Profile Page

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A detailed silver figure of a minogame turtle with an elongated seaweed tail, posed on short legs against a neutral background. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO
1 / 6
Archive I A detailed silver figure of a minogame turtle with an elongated seaweed tail, posed on short legs against a neutral background. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO

Superb Japanese Meiji/taisho (Early 20thc) Silver Minogame, Ryubundo Company

Archive II A detailed silver figure of a minogame turtle with an elongated seaweed tail, posed on short legs against a neutral background. View II
Archive III A detailed silver figure of a minogame turtle with an elongated seaweed tail, posed on short legs against a neutral background. View III
Archive IV A detailed silver figure of a minogame turtle with an elongated seaweed tail, posed on short legs against a neutral background. View IV
Archive V A detailed silver figure of a minogame turtle with an elongated seaweed tail, posed on short legs against a neutral background. View V
Archive VI A detailed silver figure of a minogame turtle with an elongated seaweed tail, posed on short legs against a neutral background. View VI
Enlarged Archival View
Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art

Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
Telephone 07975 614592
Location
Bath
Somerset
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/antikdragon
Verified Since Oct 2021
Items For Sale 35
Items Sold 783
Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
Verified Since Oct 2021
View Dealer Info
Location: Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/antikdragon
Verified
Oct 2021
For Sale
35
Sold
783
A detailed silver figure of a minogame turtle with an elongated seaweed tail, posed on short legs against a neutral background.
Superb Japanese Meiji/Taisho (early 20thC) Silver Minogame, Ryubundo Company
Ref: SA1044153
A detailed silver figure of a minogame turtle with an elongated seaweed tail, posed on short legs against a neutral background.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Detail View 3
Detail View 4
Detail View 5
Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectSculptures & Statues
  • Period1900 - 1920
  • StyleMeiji / Taisho
  • MaterialSilver
  • ColourSilver
  • MotifsTextured shell carapace, Elongated seaweed tail, Detailed claws and head
  • SizeH 6 cm (2 in) x W 29 cm (11 in) x D 15 cm (6 in)

FAQs

A minogame is a mythical turtle with a tail made of seaweed, traditionally associated with longevity, good fortune, and the tortoise messenger of Urashima Taro.

Meiji period metalwork typically utilised high-purity silver, bronze, or mixed metals (shibuichi, shakudo), employing advanced casting, chiselling, and inlay techniques refined by traditional armorers.

Authentic pieces often feature artist signatures or foundry marks, such as those from the Ryubundo company, along with natural hand-chased surface details and appropriate silver fineness stamps.

Such decorative objects work well as focal points on sideboards, mantels, or desks, contrasting against dark woods or minimalist surfaces to highlight their metallic finish and fine detail.

Antique silver should be dusted gently with a soft microfibre cloth and kept away from abrasive polishes or chemical dips to preserve the original patina and fine surface chasing.
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