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ID #SA1177763
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Superb Japanese Antique (Early 20thc) Bronze of a Tanuki, Masamitsu
Sold by Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
sold SA1177763
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 #SA1177763
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Superb Japanese Antique (Early 20thc) Bronze of a Tanuki, Masamitsu

1900 - 1920
Sold 15 November 2025 · Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
This “Superb Japanese Antique (Early 20thc) Bronze of a Tanuki, Masamitsu” 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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Description

Fine Japanese bronze sculpture of a tanuki represented as a Buddhist priest, wrapped in a cloak and lying on a mokugyo (a percussion instrument made of a fish-shaped wooden block and a stick, used to accompany the recitation of sutras). Inscribed ‘made by Masamitsu’ (Yamashita Josetsu). 10cm high x 18.5cm wide x 15cm deep, weight 1kg.

The tanuki (raccoon dog) is a legendary Japanese animal with magical powers and can transform itself. Mischievous, it uses its long tail to curl up, hide or to confuse its enemies.

Very good condition. Few age marks.

Date of Manufacture

Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art has dated this Bronze Tanuki Figure to the 1910s.

Physical Dimensions
Height
10cm (3.94")
Width
18.5cm (7.28")
Depth
15cm (5.91")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1177763
Dealers Internal Reference
AD1309
Description
Fine Japanese bronze sculpture of a tanuki represented as a Buddhist priest, wrapped in a cloak and lying on a mokugyo (a percussion instrument made of a fish-shaped wooden block and a stick, used to accompany the recitation of sutras). Inscribed ‘made by Masamitsu’ (Yamashita Josetsu). 10cm high x 18.5cm wide x 15cm deep, weight 1kg.
“
The tanuki (raccoon dog) is a legendary Japanese animal with magical powers and can transform itself.
Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art

Mischievous, it uses its long tail to curl up, hide or to confuse its enemies.

Very good condition. Few age marks.

Date of Manufacture

Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art has dated this Bronze Tanuki Figure to the 1910s.

Height
10cm (3.94")
Width
18.5cm (7.28")
Depth
15cm (5.91")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1177763
Dealers Internal Ref
AD1309
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 figure of a tanuki holding prayer beads, crafted in an early 20th-century Japanese style. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO
1 / 9
Archive I A dark patinated bronze figure of a tanuki holding prayer beads, crafted in an early 20th-century Japanese style. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO

Superb Japanese Antique (Early 20thc) Bronze of a Tanuki, Masamitsu

Archive II A dark patinated bronze figure of a tanuki holding prayer beads, crafted in an early 20th-century Japanese style. View II
Archive III A dark patinated bronze figure of a tanuki holding prayer beads, crafted in an early 20th-century Japanese style. View III
Archive IV A dark patinated bronze figure of a tanuki holding prayer beads, crafted in an early 20th-century Japanese style. View IV
Archive V A dark patinated bronze figure of a tanuki holding prayer beads, crafted in an early 20th-century Japanese style. View V
Archive VI A dark patinated bronze figure of a tanuki holding prayer beads, crafted in an early 20th-century Japanese style. View VI
Archive VII A dark patinated bronze figure of a tanuki holding prayer beads, crafted in an early 20th-century Japanese style. View VII
Archive VIII A dark patinated bronze figure of a tanuki holding prayer beads, crafted in an early 20th-century Japanese style. View VIII
Archive IX A dark patinated bronze figure of a tanuki holding prayer beads, crafted in an early 20th-century Japanese style. View IX
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 dark patinated bronze figure of a tanuki holding prayer beads, crafted in an early 20th-century Japanese style.
Superb Japanese Antique (early 20thC) Bronze of a Tanuki, Masamitsu
Ref: SA1177763
A dark patinated bronze figure of a tanuki holding prayer beads, crafted in an early 20th-century Japanese style.
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Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectSculptures and Figurines
  • Period1900 - 1920
  • StyleJapanese Traditional
  • MaterialBronze
  • ColourDark Bronze
  • MotifsDetailed fur texture, Prayer beads, Traditional robe
  • SizeH 10 cm (4 in) x W 18.5 cm (7 in) x D 15 cm (6 in)

FAQs

Tanuki, or Japanese raccoon dogs, are figures of folklore symbolizing prosperity and good fortune in Japanese culture, often crafted as okimono during the Meiji and Taisho periods to showcase metalwork mastery.

These pieces were typically crafted using traditional lost-wax casting methods in bronze or shibuichi, often finished with chemical patination to achieve deep brown or black tones.

Authenticity is generally verified through weight, age-consistent patination, quality of chisel work, and the presence of artist signatures or foundry marks on the base or body.

An antique bronze sculpture serves as a focal point on a mantlepiece, bookshelf, or side table, adding texture, history, and cultural depth to contemporary spaces.

Bronze should be kept away from direct moisture and humidity, dusted gently with a soft microfibre cloth, and occasionally treated with microcrystalline wax to protect the patina.
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