A TALL AND IMPRESSIVE PARCEL GILT BRONZE KORO (INCENSE BURNER) AND COVER, ATTRIBUTED TO THE MIYAO COMPANY Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912) The koro of rounded square form, fitted with a metal inset, the sides with two shaped panels in gold, copper, and shakudo takazogan to depict a rakan and oni conversing, the arhat wearing loose robes and holding a small figure of Kannon while the demon holds a staff, the reverse panel depicting pheasants and peony, the body cast with raised floral diaper and foliate designs against an archaistic scroll ground and flanked by two scrolling cloud-form handles. The cover similarly cast and surmounted by a boy wearing a gold-inlaid robe decorated with clouds and flowers, standing in a dynamic pose beside a red-capped crane with silvered body and plumage. The vessel is supported on four long legs issuing from fierce dragon heads atop a tiered base which is crisply cast with stylized butterflies surrounding a ho-o bird against a diapered ground, a superbly patinated and gold-inlaid figure of Kannon wearing a long flowing robe with deeply incised folds standing atop the base which is raised on four short feet decorated with gold-inlaid ho-o birds. Unsigned, however confidently attributed to the Miyao company of Yokohama. HEIGHT 91 cm WEIGHT 14.6 kg Condition: Very good condition with minor wear, minimal casting flaws, few minuscule nicks, occasional light surface scratches. Provenance: British collection. 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 parcel gilt bronze censer, measuring 44.5 cm, also with rakan and oni motif and by the Miyao company, sold at Zacke, Fine Japanese Art, 4 June 2021, Vienna, lot 6 ( sold for 17,696 EUR ). 13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer`s premium – only for buyers within the EU.