A GILT-BRONZE OKIMONO OF BENKEI HOLDING ALOFT A KORO (INCENSE BURNER) AND COVER

Description:

Japan, signed Miyao zô, Meiji period
H. 29 (33,5) cm
Constructed in two detachable sections, the legendary strongman seated cross-legged wearing a gilt-accented armour breast plate and brocade-patterned garments decorated with large blossoms amid incised scrolling leafy tendrils, holding up with both hands a large tripod censer (detachable) decorated in high relief with a dragon writhing among clouds ornamented around the body, the cover finial in form of an eagle. Signed on the reverse of Benkei Miyao zô within a gilt cartouche. The wood stand finely painted in gold lacquer.
Important South German collection of Japanese art, mainly assembled in the 1990's
MInor wear to lacquer paint at the stand