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Monumental pair of bronze Japanese samurai – Miyao-style, 20th century – Sculpture, Metal
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Monumental pair of bronze Japanese samurai – Miyao-style, 20th century

€22,000Bid from €19,800
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About this seller
Private seller
Damme, GermanyOn Whoppah since February 2025 • 3 sales
Product description
Monumental Pair of Japanese Samurai Figures An exceptionally large and richly detailed pair of 20th-century Japanese warrior figures, crafted from bronze/copper alloy with partial gilding and polychrome surface decoration. The two statues are clearly designed as a matching pair: differing in posture, helmet, and ornamentation, but carefully harmonized in scale, bases, material treatment, and the long dragon-topped staffs. Specifications Period: 20th century Origin: Japan Material: bronze/copper alloy with partial gilding and polychrome surface decoration Figure A: H 154.5 × W 65 cm Figure B: H 149.5 × W 65 cm Weight: approx. 60 kg per figure (approx. 120 kg total) Maker: unsigned / unknown Attribution: in the style of Miyao Eisuke Sale: exclusively as a complete pair Execution and Iconography Both warriors wear helmet constructions in the Japanese kabuto/shikoro tradition, swords, and very richly decorated clothing and armor parts. The surfaces combine punched and chased textures with dragon, cloud, wave, and floral motifs. The figures are also fully detailed on the reverse and stand on richly decorated metal pedestals. A frieze with five round emblems runs across the front of the pedestals. The motif most closely resembles Ken-Katabami (剣片喰), possibly Maru ni Ken Katabami. This is Japanese heraldic imagery; no specific family commission is claimed. Staffs and Superstructures The long separate staffs terminate in complex openwork, pagoda-like constructions with dragon finials. One finial demonstrably has an opening construction with a fitted edge and signs of use; the other is fixed. No convincing provisions for candles, oil, electricity, or incense have been found, therefore no specific original function is attributed to these elements. Construction and Condition The hollow-cast interiors show multiple separately cast sections, old joins, oxidation, mineral deposits, and several assembly phases. Various older attachment points have been sealed; the current threaded rods and bolts are later additions. This construction and repair history is part of the object and remains visible. Dating and Stylistic Position The pair is unsigned. Based on current documentation, it is cataloged as 20th-century, in the style of Miyao Eisuke. An external specialist in Japanese art has also placed the objects, based on photographs, in the 20th century and in the Miyao style. The precise original function of the superstructures has not been determined. Additional details: - Brand: 1stbuddha - Style: Miyao-stijl - Style: Japans - Material: brons/koperlegering - Material: vergulding - Material: polychrome oppervlakdecoratie - Colour: brons - Colour: goud - Colour: polychroom - Period: 20e eeuw - availability: in_stock
Specifications
CategorySculptureConditionVery goodMaterialMetalSeller locationDamme, GermanyDelivery optionsDelivery or pickup

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About this seller
Private seller
Damme, GermanyOn Whoppah since February 2025 • 3 sales