KANKODO MUNEYOSHI: A PAIR OF BRONZE VASES DEPICTING KINTARO WITH THE MOUNTAIN WITCH AND SAIGYO HOSHI AND MOUNT FUJI By Kankodo Muneyoshi, signed [Kan]kudo Muneyoshi Japan, late 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912) Each with a pear-shaped body and a garlic-shaped mouth worked in takabori with gold, silver, and superb iro-e takazogan. The first vase depicting Kintaro seated on the back of a black bear next to the mountain-witch Yama-uba, the golden boy’s companions in the form of a rabbit and a monkey carrying a branch of cherry blossoms, all framed by towering pines and gushing waterfalls. The second vase depicting Saigyo Hoshi riding his horse with an attendant, looking up at mount Fuji as a second samurai blocks his path at the mouth of a rushing waterfall. The neck of both vases inlaid with silver wire in the shape of scrolling clouds, the mouth with floral medallions, and the foot with a silver-wire rinzu band. Each signed to the base [KAN]KUDO MUNEYOSHI in silver wire. HEIGHT each 15.5 cm WEIGHT 711 g & 694 g Condition: Very good condition with minor wear and a few tiny nicks here and there. Auction comparison: Compare a single bronze vase by the same artist with a near identical form, signed [Kan]kodo Muneyoshi, at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Works of Art, 20 March 2012, New York, lot 2242 (sold for USD 1,875).