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ID #SA1093667
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Rare Japanese Meiji (Late 19thc) Bronze Water Dropper, Boy on a Water Buffalo
Sold by Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
sold SA1093667
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 #SA1093667
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Rare Japanese Meiji (Late 19thc) Bronze Water Dropper, Boy on a Water Buffalo

19th century
Sold 20 February 2025 · Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
This “Rare Japanese Meiji (Late 19thc) Bronze Water Dropper, Boy on a Water Buffalo” 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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Asian Bronze ArtScholars Desk Object Ask the dealer for something similar
Description

Unusual Japanese Meiji (late 19thC) Bronze Water Dropper, Boy on a Water Buffalo. Measures 9cm long x 7cm wide x 7.5cm high, weight 350g.

Lovely original condition with nice patina.

Date of Manufacture

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

Physical Dimensions
Height
7.5cm (2.95")
Width
9cm (3.54")
Depth
7cm (2.76")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1093667
Dealers Internal Reference
AD645/24
Description
Unusual Japanese Meiji (late 19thC) Bronze Water Dropper, Boy on a Water Buffalo. Measures 9cm long x 7cm wide x 7.5cm high, weight 350g.

Lovely original condition with nice patina.

Date of Manufacture

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

Height
7.5cm (2.95")
Width
9cm (3.54")
Depth
7cm (2.76")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1093667
Dealers Internal Ref
AD645/24
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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An antique dark bronze water dropper depicting a figure riding a recumbent water buffalo. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO
1 / 8
Archive I An antique dark bronze water dropper depicting a figure riding a recumbent water buffalo. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO

Rare Japanese Meiji (Late 19thc) Bronze Water Dropper, Boy on a Water Buffalo

Archive II An antique dark bronze water dropper depicting a figure riding a recumbent water buffalo. View II
Archive III An antique dark bronze water dropper depicting a figure riding a recumbent water buffalo. View III
Archive IV An antique dark bronze water dropper depicting a figure riding a recumbent water buffalo. View IV
Archive V An antique dark bronze water dropper depicting a figure riding a recumbent water buffalo. View V
Archive VI An antique dark bronze water dropper depicting a figure riding a recumbent water buffalo. View VI
Archive VII An antique dark bronze water dropper depicting a figure riding a recumbent water buffalo. View VII
Archive VIII An antique dark bronze water dropper depicting a figure riding a recumbent water buffalo. View VIII
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
An antique dark bronze water dropper depicting a figure riding a recumbent water buffalo.
Rare Japanese Meiji (late 19thC) Bronze Water Dropper, Boy on a Water Buffalo
Ref: SA1093667
An antique dark bronze water dropper depicting a figure riding a recumbent water buffalo.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Detail View 3
Detail View 4
Detail View 5
Detail View 6
Detail View 7
Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectSculptures & Figurines
  • Period19th century
  • StyleMeiji Period
  • MaterialBronze
  • ColourDark Bronze
  • MotifsWater buffalo, Human figure, Incised harness details, Recumbent animal pose
  • SizeH 7.5 cm (3 in) x W 9 cm (4 in) x D 7 cm (3 in)

FAQs

Meiji period bronze water droppers were crafted primarily for East Asian calligraphy, used by scholars and artists to mix ink by adding controlled amounts of water to an inkstone. The Meiji era (1868-1912) marked a golden age of Japanese metalwork, where master craftsmen produced intricate miniature sculptures ranging from mythical creatures to everyday rural scenes.

These items were traditionally produced using the lost-wax casting method (cire perdue) or precision traditional metal alloys containing copper, tin, and lead. Artisans often applied complex chemical patination treatments to achieve deep brown, black, or reddish tones, sometimes highlighting details with gold or silver inlay known as nunome-zogan.

Authentic pieces typically exhibit deep, stable patination developed over decades, crisp chisel work, and natural wear patterns consistent with age. Many high-quality items feature artist signatures or foundry marks on the underside, though smaller utilitarian scholar objects were frequently unsigned.

A bronze figurine adds a tactile element of history and sophistication when placed on a bookshelf, coffee table, or desk. Pair it with neutral backdrops, natural wood textures, and minimalist decor to let the rich metallic patina and sculptural form stand out as a focal point.

Antique bronze should be cleaned strictly with a soft, dry microfibre cloth to remove dust. Avoid using chemical polishes, abrasives, or water, as these can strip away the valuable historical patina and accelerate metal degradation.
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