Japanese bronze man carrying water signed Miyao Meiji period

Japanese bronze man carrying water buckets on a frame across his shoulders, finely worked on grounds of rich brown patination with gilt details of birds, flowers and crashing waves signed in rectangular gilt plaque Miyao Ei 宮尾栄助 (Miyao Eisuke), the wood lacquered base with ho-o and foliate scrolls, Meiji period 1868-1912.

The Miyao Company founded by Miyao Eisuke had premises in both Tokyo and Yokohama, produced fine bronzes with a rich brown patina and gilded details. The Company exhibited at the National Industrial Exposition (Naikoku Kangyo Hakurankai) in 1881.

Reference: 'The Golden Age of Japanese Okimono, The Dr. Kanter Collection' by Laura Bordignon, ACC Woodbridge 2010, Metalwork no. 241, 258, 260, 262, 264, 266.

Also see: 'Meiji no Takara 明治の宝 Treasures of Imperial Japan, the Nasser D.Khalili Collection', Metalwork Part II, no. 108.

Size of man without wood base H 23 cm (9.05" in.)