Japanese pair of bronze puppies, one standing and the other chewing bamboo, signed Ryoun 凌雲, Taisho Period.

Japanese pair of bronze puppies, one standing and the other chewing a bamboo branch, the eyes inlaid in shakudo, on a black lacquer base,signed Ryoun 凌雲, Taisho Period.

Takahashi Ryoun 高橋凌雲 lived in Tokyo, and was active during the Taisho into the early Showa era (1912-1935). He graduated from the Tokyo School of Fine Arts, and was famed for his skill in casting bronze. The Tokyo Casting Association lists him as a designated special member, a ranking reserved for the best artists.