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Striking Japanese Vintage (Taisho/early Showa Period) Bronze, ‘The Metro-builder’, Nobuo Tsuda
Sold by Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
sold SA1130957
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 34 items
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Id #SA1130957
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Striking Japanese Vintage (Taisho/early Showa Period) Bronze, ‘The Metro-builder’, Nobuo Tsuda

1920 - 1940
Sold 10 October 2025 · Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
This “Striking Japanese Vintage (Taisho/early Showa Period) Bronze, ‘The Metro-builder’, Nobuo Tsuda” 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 Taisho/early Showa period bronze, ‘The Metro-Builder’ by Nobuo Tsuda (1875-1946). The worker is depicted naked using a pickaxe. The inscription on the base reads ‘The Metro-Builder, Teito Rapid Transit Authority’ (Tokyo Metro), and was presumably commissioned by the TRTA in 1941 (when the TRTA was created). 18cm wide x 26.5cm long x 30cm high, weight 4.1kg.

Nobuo Tsuda was head professor of metal casting at the Tokyo Fine Arts School (Tokyo University of the Arts) where he taught many artists who went on to become famous sculptors.

Excellent original condition.

Physical Dimensions
Height
30cm (11.81")
Width
26.5cm (10.43")
Depth
18cm (7.09")
Declaration

Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art has dated this Bronze Sculpture Statue to the 1930s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1130957
Dealers Internal Reference
AD894
Description
Fine Japanese Taisho/early Showa period bronze, ‘The Metro-Builder’ by Nobuo Tsuda (1875-1946). The worker is depicted naked using a pickaxe.
“
The inscription on the base reads ‘The Metro-Builder, Teito Rapid Transit Authority’ (Tokyo Metro), and was presumably commissioned by the TRTA in 1941 (when the TRTA was created).
Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art

18cm wide x 26.5cm long x 30cm high, weight 4.1kg.

fig 1. A dark bronze sculpture depicting a muscular male figure wielding a pickaxe atop rocky terrain.
fig 1. Striking Japanese Vintage (Taisho/early Showa Period) Bronze, ‘The Metro-builder’, Nobuo Tsuda

Nobuo Tsuda was head professor of metal casting at the Tokyo Fine Arts School (Tokyo University of the Arts) where he taught many artists who went on to become famous sculptors.

Excellent original condition.

Height
30cm (11.81")
Width
26.5cm (10.43")
Depth
18cm (7.09")
Date of Manufacture

Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art has dated this Bronze Sculpture Statue to the 1930s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1130957
Dealers Internal Ref
AD894
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 bronze sculpture depicting a muscular male figure wielding a pickaxe atop rocky terrain. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO
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Archive I A dark bronze sculpture depicting a muscular male figure wielding a pickaxe atop rocky terrain. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO

Striking Japanese Vintage (Taisho/early Showa Period) Bronze, ‘The Metro-builder’, Nobuo Tsuda

Archive II A dark bronze sculpture depicting a muscular male figure wielding a pickaxe atop rocky terrain. View II
Archive III A dark bronze sculpture depicting a muscular male figure wielding a pickaxe atop rocky terrain. View III
Archive IV A dark bronze sculpture depicting a muscular male figure wielding a pickaxe atop rocky terrain. View IV
Archive V A dark bronze sculpture depicting a muscular male figure wielding a pickaxe atop rocky terrain. View V
Archive VI A dark bronze sculpture depicting a muscular male figure wielding a pickaxe atop rocky terrain. View VI
Archive VII A dark bronze sculpture depicting a muscular male figure wielding a pickaxe atop rocky terrain. View VII
Archive VIII A dark bronze sculpture depicting a muscular male figure wielding a pickaxe atop rocky terrain. View VIII
Archive IX A dark bronze sculpture depicting a muscular male figure wielding a pickaxe atop rocky terrain. View IX
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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 34
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
34
Sold
783
A dark bronze sculpture depicting a muscular male figure wielding a pickaxe atop rocky terrain.
Striking Japanese Vintage (Taisho/early Showa period) bronze, ‘The Metro-Builder’, Nobuo Tsuda
Ref: SA1130957
A dark bronze sculpture depicting a muscular male figure wielding a pickaxe atop rocky terrain.
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Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectSculptures & Statues
  • Period1920 - 1940
  • StyleJapanese Modernist
  • MaterialBronze
  • ColourDark Brown
  • MotifsFigurative realism, Industrial labour, Muscular anatomy, Rocky base
  • SizeH 30 cm (12 in) x W 26.5 cm (10 in) x D 18 cm (7 in)

FAQs

Bronzes from the Taisho and early Showa periods often reflect a fusion of traditional Japanese metalwork techniques with Western modernist and realist sculptural influences, frequently highlighting labour, industry, and the human form.

These pieces were typically crafted using traditional lost-wax casting methods with high-grade copper and bronze alloys, often finished with chemical patinations to achieve deep, rich tones.

Authenticity is typically verified by examining the quality of the casting, the natural aging of the patina, weight, and often the presence of an artist signature or foundry mark inscribed into the base.

A figurative bronze serves as a strong focal point and can be styled on a mantelpiece, bookshelf, or executive desk where its tactile qualities and dynamic form can be appreciated up close.

Bronze should be dusted gently with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using commercial metal polishes, water, or chemical cleaners, as these can strip the historical patina and damage the surface.
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