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Rare Japanese Meiji (Late 19thc) Bronze, Hermit & Toad, Takusai Honma II
Sold by Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
sold SA1109646
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
Id #SA1109646
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Rare Japanese Meiji (Late 19thc) Bronze, Hermit & Toad, Takusai Honma II

19th century
Sold 28 February 2025 · Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
This “Rare Japanese Meiji (Late 19thc) Bronze, Hermit & Toad, Takusai Honma II” 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.

Description

Fine Japanese Meiji (late 19thC) bronze of a hermit (gama sennin or ‘toad hermit’) holding a toad with another at his feet by Takusai Honma II (1846-1904). Cast in Honma’s typical ‘purple’ bronze, it is in excellent condition with an untouched patina. Signed with a seal on the back. 25cm tall x 20cm wide x 18cm deep, weight 3.7kg.

Located on Sado Island, the Takusai Honma family of bronze artists was famous for their work in lost-wax casting and their mastery of patination that produced a sublime, variegated patina. Among the materials used was hanshido bronze, an alloy that resulted in irregular oxidation, giving the appearance of purple to violet spots. Although the art and name of Takusai Honma continued through six generations, the work of the earliest members of the line is considered the best.

Superb condition and patina.

Date of Manufacture

Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art has dated this Meiji Bronze Figure to the 19th Century.

Physical Dimensions
Height
25cm (9.84")
Width
20cm (7.87")
Depth
18cm (7.09")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1109646
Dealers Internal Reference
AD679/24
Description
Fine Japanese Meiji (late 19thC) bronze of a hermit (gama sennin or ‘toad hermit’) holding a toad with another at his feet by Takusai Honma II (1846-1904). Cast in Honma’s typical ‘purple’ bronze, it is in excellent condition with an untouched patina. Signed with a seal on the back. 25cm tall x 20cm wide x 18cm deep, weight 3.7kg.
“
Located on Sado Island, the Takusai Honma family of bronze artists was famous for their work in lost-wax casting and their mastery of patination that produced a sublime, variegated patina.
Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art

Among the materials used was hanshido bronze, an alloy that resulted in irregular oxidation, giving the appearance of purple to violet spots. Although the art and name of Takusai Honma continued through six generations, the work of the earliest members of the line is considered the best.

Superb condition and patina.

Date of Manufacture

Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art has dated this Meiji Bronze Figure to the 19th Century.

Height
25cm (9.84")
Width
20cm (7.87")
Depth
18cm (7.09")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1109646
Dealers Internal Ref
AD679/24
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 dark patinated bronze figurine depicting a seated hermit holding a toad on an irregular rock base. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO
1 / 14
Archive I A dark patinated bronze figurine depicting a seated hermit holding a toad on an irregular rock base. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO

Rare Japanese Meiji (Late 19thc) Bronze, Hermit & Toad, Takusai Honma II

Archive II A dark patinated bronze figurine depicting a seated hermit holding a toad on an irregular rock base. View II
Archive III A dark patinated bronze figurine depicting a seated hermit holding a toad on an irregular rock base. View III
Archive IV A dark patinated bronze figurine depicting a seated hermit holding a toad on an irregular rock base. View IV
Archive V A dark patinated bronze figurine depicting a seated hermit holding a toad on an irregular rock base. View V
Archive VI A dark patinated bronze figurine depicting a seated hermit holding a toad on an irregular rock base. View VI
Archive VII A dark patinated bronze figurine depicting a seated hermit holding a toad on an irregular rock base. View VII
Archive VIII A dark patinated bronze figurine depicting a seated hermit holding a toad on an irregular rock base. View VIII
Archive IX A dark patinated bronze figurine depicting a seated hermit holding a toad on an irregular rock base. View IX
Archive X A dark patinated bronze figurine depicting a seated hermit holding a toad on an irregular rock base. View X
Archive XI A dark patinated bronze figurine depicting a seated hermit holding a toad on an irregular rock base. View XI
Archive XII A dark patinated bronze figurine depicting a seated hermit holding a toad on an irregular rock base. View XII
Archive XIII A dark patinated bronze figurine depicting a seated hermit holding a toad on an irregular rock base. View XIII
Archive XIV A dark patinated bronze figurine depicting a seated hermit holding a toad on an irregular rock base. View XIV
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Telephone 07975 614592
Location
Bath
Somerset
United Kingdom
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
Verified
Oct 2021
For Sale
35
Sold
783
A dark patinated bronze figurine depicting a seated hermit holding a toad on an irregular rock base.
Rare Japanese Meiji (late 19thC) Bronze, Hermit & Toad, Takusai Honma II
Ref: SA1109646
A dark patinated bronze figurine depicting a seated hermit holding a toad on an irregular rock base.
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Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectSculptures & Figurines
  • Period19th century
  • StyleMeiji Period
  • MaterialBronze
  • ColourDark Brown
  • MotifsFigural representation, Naturalistic rock base, Hand-patinated finish
  • SizeH 25 cm (10 in) x W 20 cm (8 in) x D 18 cm (7 in)

The Meiji period (18681912) marked a golden age for Japanese metalwork, driven by the opening of trade with the West, which spurred artisans to combine traditional casting techniques with international artistic influences.

These pieces are typically cast using the lost-wax method with traditional copper alloys, often featuring intricate hand-chiselling, patination, and fine metal inlay.

Authentic pieces usually exhibit deep, stable patination, high-relief signature marks or seals on the base, and meticulous hand-finished detailing that lacks the uniform surface texture of modern replicas.

Positioning a patinated bronze on a minimalist mantelpiece, side table, or open shelving unit adds textural contrast and an element of historic craftsmanship to modern spaces.

Dust gently with a soft, dry microfibre cloth and avoid using chemical polishes, water, or abrasive cleaners, which can strip the historical patina.
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