A boxed pair of bronze puppies with original black lacquered table gifted from the Shirakawa branch of the Imperial Family on the 7th day of the 4th month of Taisho 11 (1922). The two playful creatures are set into custom made slots in the box, with a separate compartment for the lacquered table. One plays with a branch of sasa bamboo, the other raises a paw as if to ask ‘Can we share?’ This is stamped on the base Ryoun. Takahashi Ryōun was a Japanese metal caster and metalwork artist active from the Meiji through the Taishō period, and is regarded as one of the leading masters of Tokyo bronze ware. The Tokyo Casting Association lists him as a designated special member, a ranking reserved for only top artists. The two animals are 17 x 12.5 x 9.5 cm, 17.5 x 10 x 14.5 cm (7 x 5 x 4 and 7 x 4 x 5-3/4 inches) respectively and are in excellent condition. The black lacquered base is 46 x 28 x 5 cm (18 x 11 x 2 inches) with wear to the surface typical of use. Both puppies and the stand were originally contained in a purple silk pouches, but one for the lower dog is on longer extant.
The Shirakawa Branch of the Imperial family was established by Prince Satonari (son of Prince Fushimi Kuniie) in the early Meiji period. Prince Satonari died shortly after founding the house, and his elder half-brother, Prince Kitashirakawa Yoshihisa became the second head. He subsequently perished of Malaria in Taiwan. It passed to the eight year old Prince Kitashirakawa Naruhisa who remained head of the household until 1923, so it was under his patronage that this set was gifted.
