By Miyao Eisuke of Yokohoma, signed Miyao
Japan, late 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912)

Superbly cast, the warrior lifting the massive vessel with relative ease, his robes neatly detailed with paulownia mon, rinpo, and floral blossoms, his armor secured by a belt around the waist centered by an oni mask. The koro divided into four panels, each richly decorated in iro-e takazogan with alternating guardians and samurai against a finely incised ground with leafy scrolling vines as well as gilt blossoms and butterflies. Signed to the back of the robe below the belt within a gilt cartouche MIYAO.

HEIGHT 95.4 cm (excl. lamp) and 130 cm (incl. lamp)
WEIGHT 16.1 kg

Condition: Excellent condition with minor wear.

The koro features an antique lamp fitting that includes a brass petroleum tank dating to around 1880. In about 1920, an electrical fitting was added to replace the petroleum lamp. In 2024, we upgraded the electrical components to modern standards, including a 220-volt cable, a floor switch, and a spare lampshade, ensuring the lamp functions accurately and reliably.

Important: The cable runs externally along the statue, and the entire lamp fitting can be easily removed without any hassle—simply by taking it out. This fitting is completely non-intrusive, with no drilling or alterations, so there are no condition issues. The piece can be used as a lamp with ease, or the fitting can be stored away, allowing the koro to be displayed as originally intended—as either an incense burner or a statue.

Founded by Miyao Eisuke, the Miyao Company of Yokohama 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.

Auction comparison:
Compare a related smaller Miyao bronze sculpture depicting Benkei lifting the Bell of Miidera, 70 cm high, at Christie's, 18 May 2012, London, lot 27 (sold for GBP 27,500 or approx. EUR 53,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing). Compare a pair of related Miyao bronze figures holding aloft candlesticks, each 79 cm high, at Ardennes Encheres, 19 October 2024, Charleville-Mezieres, lot 143 (sold for EUR 70,000).