6th Dec, 2024 10:00
Fine Japanese Art
17
MIYAO: A PARCEL-GILT BRONZE FIGURAL KORO (INCENSE BURNER) DEPICTING BENKEI HOLDING ALOFT THE MIIDERA TEMPLE BELL
Sold for €3,120
including Buyer's Premium
By Takashi Kiyotsugu (died 1894) for the Miyao company of Yokohama, signed in a Kiyo cartouche Miyao zo
Japan, late 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912)
Benkei is shown standing and leaning forward, squatting as he strains under the weight of the large Miidera Temple bell which he supports on his back, the bell with a detachable copper liner, held upside down and decorated to the exterior with studs in relief and cast with panels of formalized lotus, the hero's robes cast with lotus blossoms borne on scrolling vines in katakiribori, the face with a determined expression having successfully dragged the bell atop the mountain, all on a formal stand incised with a keyfret motif and raised on cabriole legs applied with stylized flowers. Signed to the bell within a KIYO cartouche MIYAO zo.
HEIGHT 14.9 cm (incl. stand)
WEIGHT 1,129 g (incl. stand)
Condition: Good condition with minor surface wear, little rubbing and minor losses to gilt.
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.
Saito Musashibo Benkei (ca. 1155-1189) was a loyal retainer of Minamoto no Yoshitsune (1159-1189), and both historical figures were the subject of numerous myths and legends described in popular literature, theatre, songs and depicted in paintings, prints and other decorative arts. This particular subject is the legend of Benkei displaying his incredible brute strength by stealing the enormous bell of Miidera Temple and dragging it up a mountain.
Auction comparison:
Compare a related bronze figural censer and cover, signed Miyao, late 19th century, 13.3 cm, at Sotheby’s, 19 October 2022, New York, lot 626 (estimate USD 8,000-12,000). Also compare a related dish by the same artist at Bonhams, Fine Japanese and Korean Art, 22 July 2020, New York, lot 1101 (sold for USD 6,325).
By Takashi Kiyotsugu (died 1894) for the Miyao company of Yokohama, signed in a Kiyo cartouche Miyao zo
Japan, late 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912)
Benkei is shown standing and leaning forward, squatting as he strains under the weight of the large Miidera Temple bell which he supports on his back, the bell with a detachable copper liner, held upside down and decorated to the exterior with studs in relief and cast with panels of formalized lotus, the hero's robes cast with lotus blossoms borne on scrolling vines in katakiribori, the face with a determined expression having successfully dragged the bell atop the mountain, all on a formal stand incised with a keyfret motif and raised on cabriole legs applied with stylized flowers. Signed to the bell within a KIYO cartouche MIYAO zo.
HEIGHT 14.9 cm (incl. stand)
WEIGHT 1,129 g (incl. stand)
Condition: Good condition with minor surface wear, little rubbing and minor losses to gilt.
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.
Saito Musashibo Benkei (ca. 1155-1189) was a loyal retainer of Minamoto no Yoshitsune (1159-1189), and both historical figures were the subject of numerous myths and legends described in popular literature, theatre, songs and depicted in paintings, prints and other decorative arts. This particular subject is the legend of Benkei displaying his incredible brute strength by stealing the enormous bell of Miidera Temple and dragging it up a mountain.
Auction comparison:
Compare a related bronze figural censer and cover, signed Miyao, late 19th century, 13.3 cm, at Sotheby’s, 19 October 2022, New York, lot 626 (estimate USD 8,000-12,000). Also compare a related dish by the same artist at Bonhams, Fine Japanese and Korean Art, 22 July 2020, New York, lot 1101 (sold for USD 6,325).
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