5th Dec, 2025 10:00
Fine Japanese Art
32
A SUPERB AND LARGE MIYAO STYLE PARCEL GILT BRONZE CHARGER DEPICTING TWO RAKAN
€4,000
€8,000
A buyer’s premium of 30.00% (including VAT) applies to the hammer price of this lot if your bid is successful.
Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912)
Of shallow circular form, cast in rich brown bronze and inlaid in gold, suaka (refined copper) and shakudo takazogan with some gold hirazogan highlights. The surface finely modeled in high relief with two rakan standing side by side, the figure on the left holding a nyoi scepter and cleaning his ear with an ear pick, the other stretching and yawning with both arms raised in a lively posture. Both are shown with circular halos behind their heads, their flowing robes defined by crisp folds and chased details. The borders and ornaments of their garments are heightened with gold, while the skin areas display a contrasting refined copper tone. The whole composition rests within a plain outer rim that accentuates the sculptural modeling of the figures.
DIAMETER 44 cm
WEIGHT 5.5 kg
Condition: Excellent condition with only minor wear.
The animated pairing of rakan reflects a humorous and devotional theme in Buddhist art, in which disciples imitate Daruma (Bodhidharma)—the patriarch of Zen—who was often depicted yawning or cleaning his ear as symbols of awakening and attentive hearing. The vigorous modeling, selective gilding, and expressive gestures align closely with the Miyao workshop style, renowned for its masterful casting and lively realism during the Meiji period. The combination of copper and brown patination, gilded highlights, and the distinctive narrative energy suggest production within, or under the influence of, the atelier of Miyao Eisuke.
Auction comparison:
Compare a related bronze charger of similar quality, depicting Daruma as Daidarabotchi, 46 cm diameter, Meiji period, at Zacke, Fine Japanese Art, 6 December 2024, Vienna, lot 30 (sold for EUR 16,900).
Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912)
Of shallow circular form, cast in rich brown bronze and inlaid in gold, suaka (refined copper) and shakudo takazogan with some gold hirazogan highlights. The surface finely modeled in high relief with two rakan standing side by side, the figure on the left holding a nyoi scepter and cleaning his ear with an ear pick, the other stretching and yawning with both arms raised in a lively posture. Both are shown with circular halos behind their heads, their flowing robes defined by crisp folds and chased details. The borders and ornaments of their garments are heightened with gold, while the skin areas display a contrasting refined copper tone. The whole composition rests within a plain outer rim that accentuates the sculptural modeling of the figures.
DIAMETER 44 cm
WEIGHT 5.5 kg
Condition: Excellent condition with only minor wear.
The animated pairing of rakan reflects a humorous and devotional theme in Buddhist art, in which disciples imitate Daruma (Bodhidharma)—the patriarch of Zen—who was often depicted yawning or cleaning his ear as symbols of awakening and attentive hearing. The vigorous modeling, selective gilding, and expressive gestures align closely with the Miyao workshop style, renowned for its masterful casting and lively realism during the Meiji period. The combination of copper and brown patination, gilded highlights, and the distinctive narrative energy suggest production within, or under the influence of, the atelier of Miyao Eisuke.
Auction comparison:
Compare a related bronze charger of similar quality, depicting Daruma as Daidarabotchi, 46 cm diameter, Meiji period, at Zacke, Fine Japanese Art, 6 December 2024, Vienna, lot 30 (sold for EUR 16,900).
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Auction: Fine Japanese Art, 5th Dec, 2025
We're delighted to present Fine Japanese Art — a live auction featuring 600 exceptional lots that span every era of Japan’s rich artistic heritage.
The first 360 lots are featured in our printed catalog, beginning with Bronzes & Meiji metalwork, including a superb selection of silver works and notable pieces by celebrated masters such as Kitagawa Hokusen I and Jomi Eisuke II. These are followed by an outstanding group of samurai artworks, showcasing works by the Myochin family, intricate jizai okimono, exquisite tsuba from the Kotler Collection, and a distinguished array of armors, helmets, and swords. Learn more.
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