32 - † MIYAO: A CHARMING AND RARE PARCEL-GILT BRONZE OKIMONO OF A WOMAN FEEDING SPARROWS

† MIYAO: A CHARMING AND RARE PARCEL-GILT BRONZE OKIMONO OF A WOMAN FEEDING SPARROWS By the Miyao company of Yokohama, signed Miyao zo Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912) Finely cast as an elderly woman kneeling beside a birdcage, her face animated with a gentle smile as she feeds two sparrows perched atop the cage with a gilt spoon, holding a small bowl with food in her other hand. Her hair neatly combed into a bun, she wears a flowing kimono richly embellished with gilt origami cranes, kiri, and sakura blossoms. The finely detailed birdcage opens to serve as a box. Signed below the figure in a gilt rectangular reserve MIYAO zo [made by Miyao]. HEIGHT 23.5 cm (incl. stand), HEIGHT 17 cm (the figure) WIDTH of stand 17.8 cm WEIGHT 3.4 kg (total) Provenance: Sotheby's, Japanese Works of Art, Prints & Paintings, 16 May 2007, London, lot 963 (sold for GBP 7,800 or approx. EUR 16,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing). British collection, acquired from the above. Condition: Very good condition with minor wear to the underside. The stand with a crack, repairs, and losses to the lacquer, yet still presenting well. Accompanied by a gilt-lacquered wood stand. Founded by Miyao Eisuke, the Miyao Company of Yokohama specialized in finely cast bronze sculptures embellished with gold and silver as well as contrasting copper alloys. Its works range from samurai warriors and figures from Japanese history and legend to charming scenes of everyday life, as exemplified by the present lot. The company also produced incense burners, vases, and other decorative objects. 13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer's premium - only for buyers within the EU.