Description
MIYAO EISUKE: A SUPERB PAIR OF PARCEL GILT MIXED-METAL CANDLESTICKS DEPICTING ACROBATS By Miyao Eisuke of Yokohama, each signed Miyao sei Japan, late 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912) Each finely cast in three parts, depicting young acrobats balancing a taiko drum and with shishimai (lion dance) masks atop their heads, the details finely chiseled and inlaid in gilt takazogan and hirazogan, the faces and hands in copper, the drums incised with chrysanthemums, peonies, and with karakusa details, each signed MIYAO sei [made by Miyao] in a typical rectangular reserve, one further signed MIYAO sei to the gold fan. HEIGHT each 43 cm WEIGHT 3,330 g and 3,837 g Condition: Very good condition with little wear, small nicks, light surface scratches, few minor dents, rubbing to the gilding. Each presenting beautifully. Founded by Miyao Eisuke, the Miyao Company of Yokohama (later based in Nihonbashi-ku, Tokyo, after ca. 1890) specialized in the manufacture of bronze sculptures, embellished with gold and silver as well as patinated copper alloys, that represent generic samurai warriors as well as more precisely identifiable characters from Japanese myth and legend. In addition, the company also made a smaller number of pieces in other formats such as incense burners, vases, and chargers. Auction comparison: Compare a near-identical pair of bronze candlesticks, also by Miyao and 43.5 cm high, dated to the Meiji period, at Christie’s, The Ann & Gordon Getty Collection: Volume 3, English and European Furniture, Porcelain and Silver, Day Sale, 22 October 2022, New York, lot 306 (sold for USD 37,800).
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MIYAO EISUKE: A SUPERB PAIR OF PARCEL GILT MIXED-METAL CANDLESTICKS DEPICTING ACROBATS By Miyao Eisuke of Yokohama, each signed Miyao sei Japan, late 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912) Each finely cast in three parts, depicting young acrobats balancing a taiko drum and with shishimai (lion dance) masks atop their heads, the details finely chiseled and inlaid in gilt takazogan and hirazogan, the faces and hands in copper, the drums incised with chrysanthemums, peonies, and with karakusa details, each signed MIYAO sei [made by Miyao] in a typical rectangular reserve, one further signed MIYAO sei to the gold fan. HEIGHT each 43 cm WEIGHT 3,330 g and 3,837 g Condition: Very good condition with little wear, small nicks, light surface scratches, few minor dents, rubbing to the gilding. Each presenting beautifully. Founded by Miyao Eisuke, the Miyao Company of Yokohama (later based in Nihonbashi-ku, Tokyo, after ca. 1890) specialized in the manufacture of bronze sculptures, embellished with gold and silver as well as patinated copper alloys, that represent generic samurai warriors as well as more precisely identifiable characters from Japanese myth and legend. In addition, the company also made a smaller number of pieces in other formats such as incense burners, vases, and chargers. Auction comparison: Compare a near-identical pair of bronze candlesticks, also by Miyao and 43.5 cm high, dated to the Meiji period, at Christie’s, The Ann & Gordon Getty Collection: Volume 3, English and European Furniture, Porcelain and Silver, Day Sale, 22 October 2022, New York, lot 306 (sold for USD 37,800).
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