A PAIR OF PARCEL-GILT BRONZE FIGURES DEPICTING SAMURAI WARRIORS Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912) Each figure is finely cast and supported on a carved wood stand raised on four curved feet and decorated with pierced floral designs. The samurai is captured mid-leap with one foot raised, his body plunging forward with both hands clutching his sword above his head. The archer is preparing to shoot an arrow at his target, his body in a back-leaning stance with the front leg fully outstretched and the other slightly bent, a sword tucked into his belt. Both warriors with neatly detailed facial features and armor. Viewed as a pair, it is easy to imagine this samurai and archer embroiled in a vicious fight to the death that is about to reach its end, though the outcome is still unsure. HEIGHT 20.2 cm (the samurai excl. stand), 16.5 cm (the archer excl. bow and stand), and 22.7 cm (the archer excl. stand) WEIGHT 1,354 g (the samurai incl. stand), 1,092 g (the archer incl. stand) Condition: Excellent condition with minor wear. Auction comparison: Compare a closely related group of samurai warriors of similar size, by the Miyao company, sold at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 8 November 2018, London, lot 246 ( sold for 7,500 GBP ). Also compare to a closely related gilt-bronze figure of a warrior by Miyao, measuring 27.5 cm, sold at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 6 November 2012, London, lot 507 ( sold for 16,250 GBP). 13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer`s premium – only for buyers within the EU.