A FINE AND RARE PAIR OF BRONZE VASES WITH EGRETS AND WATER PLANTS IN SILVER AND COLORED METALS

Description:

Japan, signed Miyao zo, mid- to late Meiji period
H. 36,6 cm
With red-brown patination, the ovoid body with a short everted neck, decorated in silver, gilding, shakudo [copper-gold alloy] and shibuichi [copper- silver alloy] high and applied relief with egrets and water plants, signed on the base on a gilt tablet.
Important South German collection of Japanese art, mainly assembled in the 1990's
Although most often associated with large-scale bronze figures of samurai,1 the Miyao company also manufactured or dealt in a wide range of craft goods including Shibayama-work panels and ivory figures. Apparently based first in Yokohama and then, after about 1890, in Nihonbashi-ku, Tokyo, the company is first recorded at the second Naikoku Kangyo Hakurankai [National Industrial Exposition] where Miyao Eisuke collaborated with the bronzecaster Momose Sozaemon in the production of a bronze figure of seven drunken shojo.
Very minor wear