Front of the Japanese Bronze Figure Lantern Carrier by Miyao Eisuke
Japanese Bronze Figure of a Lantern Carrier by Miyao Eisuke in a decorative setting
Japanese Bronze Figure of a Lantern Carrier by Miyao Eisuke in a decorative setting with a standard business card for scale
Front overview of the Japanese Bronze Figure Lantern Carrier by Miyao Eisuke
Side of the Japanese Bronze Figure Lantern Carrier by Miyao Eisuke
Rear overview of the Japanese Bronze Figure Lantern Carrier by Miyao Eisuke
Rear of the Japanese Bronze Figure Lantern Carrier by Miyao Eisuke
Rear overview of the Japanese Bronze Figure Lantern Carrier by Miyao Eisuke
Side of the Japanese Bronze Figure Lantern Carrier by Miyao Eisuke
Front overview of the Japanese Bronze Figure Lantern Carrier by Miyao Eisuke
Close up of the front of the Japanese Bronze Figure Lantern Carrier by Miyao Eisuke
Close up of the face of the Japanese Bronze Figure Lantern Carrier by Miyao Eisuke
Close up of the lantern and face of the Japanese Bronze Figure Lantern Carrier by Miyao Eisuke
Close up of the body of the Japanese Bronze Figure Lantern Carrier by Miyao Eisuke
Side of the Japanese Bronze Figure Lantern Carrier by Miyao Eisuke
Close up of the top of the Japanese Bronze Figure Lantern Carrier by Miyao Eisuke
Close up of the rear of the Japanese Bronze Figure Lantern Carrier by Miyao Eisuke showing the signature
Close up of the signature on the Japanese Bronze Figure Lantern Carrier by Miyao Eisuke
Close up of the rear top of the Japanese Bronze Figure Lantern Carrier by Miyao Eisuke
Close up of leg from the Japanese Bronze Figure Lantern Carrier by Miyao Eisuke
Close up of the feet from the Japanese Bronze Figure Lantern Carrier by Miyao Eisuke
Detail of the base from the Japanese Bronze Figure Lantern Carrier by Miyao Eisuke
Detail of the base from the Japanese Bronze Figure Lantern Carrier by Miyao Eisuke

Japanese Bronze Figure by Miyao Eisuke, Meiji Period, Circa 1890

£7,500.00

A Japanese bronze figure by Miyao Eisuke, Meiji period circa 1890, depicting a smiling man with broom and lantern, decorated with gilt dragon and crane motifs, on the original Miyao wood base.

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    Description

    A finely detailed Japanese bronze figure by Miyao Eisuke, Meiji Period, circa 1890.

    From our Japanese collection, we are delighted to offer this outstanding bronze figure by the celebrated maker Miyao Eisuke of Yokohama, dating to the late 19th century.

    The bronze depicts an elderly man with a beaming smile, holding a tall broom in one hand and a pagoda-form lantern in the other, upon which a small bird is perched. The character is animated and full of life, embodying the joyous humour that made Miyao bronzes so admired during the Meiji period. The figure is richly decorated with gilt highlights across his flowing robe. Prominent motifs include a central dragon roundel, symbolising strength and protection, while the legs display pairs of cranes, representing longevity and happiness. Stylised clouds and waves flow across the garment, further enhancing the auspicious symbolism.

    The bronze rests on its original Miyao wood base, decorated with the iconic inlaid gilt scrollwork that distinguishes works from this workshop. This exceptional piece is signed Miyao EI 宮尾栄助 (Miyao Eisuke) in a rectangular gilt cartouche, indicating its origin within the Miyao Eisuke workshop.

    Dating to circa 1890, this figure is an excellent example of the work undertaken in the golden era of Japan that define the finest bronzes of the period.

    Reference

    V&A Museum Accession Number FE.12:1 to 4-2003
    Meiji no Takara 明治の宝 Treasures of Imperial Japan, the Nasser D.Khalili Collection, Metalwork Part II, no. 108.
    Christies for a near identical model from the Property of Edward & Marilyn Flower Lot 298 4 Nov 2009

    Miyao Eisuke

    Miyao Eisuke was one of the most highly regarded bronze manufacturers of the Japanese Meiji period, active in Yokohama and Tokyo during the late 19th century. The Miyao Company became renowned for its finely cast and richly gilt bronzes, often depicting figures from folklore, theatre, and everyday life. These works were mounted on distinctive wooden bases, typically inlaid with gilt scrollwork, which became an iconic feature of Miyao bronzes. Exhibited internationally at events such as the National Industrial Exposition in Japan and the Paris Exposition Universelle of 1900, Miyao’s bronzes gained recognition for their detail, character, and technical mastery. Today, signed works by Miyao Eisuke remain highly sought after by collectors of Japanese Meiji art.

    For further information please see our makers and retailers page on Miyao Eisuke.

    BRONZE

    Bronze has been one of the most widely used materials in art and design for centuries, valued for its strength, durability, and ability to capture fine detail. Popular from ancient civilisations to the 19th century, bronze has been used for statues, decorative objects, and functional pieces alike. In the late 19th century, artists in Vienna, including Franz Xaver Bergmann, perfected the technique of cold-painting, adding rich layers of colour to bronze without firing. This innovation, along with the timeless appeal of bronze’s patina and texture, ensures that antique bronze objects remain highly collectible today.

    For further information please see our article Bronze Sculpture: History, Composition, and Casting Techniques.

    MEIJI PERIOD (1868-1912)

    The Meiji era marked Japan’s transformation into a modern nation and a golden age of decorative arts. With the end of samurai rule and Japan’s opening to the West, artisans produced works of exceptional quality for both domestic and international audiences. Supported by the government through world fairs and Imperial commissions, Japanese lacquerware, cloisonné, satsuma ceramics, bronzes, and ivory carvings reached collectors worldwide. Many leading artists of the time, including Makuzu Kozan and Namikawa Yasuyuki, were honoured as Imperial Household Artists, ensuring the Meiji period remains one of the most celebrated eras of Japanese art.

    For further information please see our article Japanese Meiji Period: Art, Collecting, and Cultural Transformation.

    Measurements

    26.5cm High 14cm wide x 11cm Deep (10.43 x 5.5 x 4.33 Inches)

    Figure 21cm High (8.27 Inches)

    Condition

    Excellent antique condition

    With every purchase from Jacksons Antique, you will receive our latest product guide, certificate of authenticity, full tracking information so you can monitor your shipment from start to finish and our personal no-hassle, money-back policy giving you that extra confidence when purchasing. Don’t forget to sign up to our free monthly newsletter for 10% off your first online purchase.

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