A MASTERFUL PARCEL-GILT BRONZE VASE DEPICTING A TREE TRUNK WITH AUTUMN LEAVES Japan, late 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912) Superbly cast as a gnarled and knotted tree trunk bearing thin branches issuing maple leaves, exquisitely patinated and gilt to convey the turning of the leaves, which are further detailed with neatly incised veins and finely serrated edges, the stump masterfully finished with a strikingly naturalistic texture, the straight rim incised with growth rings. HEIGHT 35.8 cm WEIGHT 4,844 g Condition: Excellent condition with minor wear. Provenance: From a Belgian private collection, assembled between 1950 and 1990. The present vase, impressively cast in a minimalist yet naturalistic manner, was clearly made by an extremely talented metalworker. The masterful use of patination and the superb texture of the bronze style make an attribution to the workshop of Miyao Eisuke reasonable. Auction comparison: Compare a related pair of bronze figural vases by Miyao Eisuke at Sotheby`s, 15 December 2011, Paris, lot 337 (bought-in at an estimate of 20,000-30,000 EUR ).