MIYAO EISUKE: A BRONZE 'SAMURAI' CANDLESTICK By Miyao Eisuke of Yokohama, signed Miyao with seal Ei Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912) Signed MIYAO on a gilt rectangular reserve with seal Ei. The heavily cast, gilt and incised bronze figure stands on its en suite lacquered wood stand. The Samurai is dressed in a palatial robe with various gilt family crests over a large apron with thick tassels at the bottom that looks like a kesho-mawashi, normally worn only by sumo wrestlers. A tanto is tucked through his sash as he holds the removable blossom-shaped candleholder. HEIGHT 30.3 cm (including the stand) WEIGHT 1823.7 grams (including the stand) Condition: Superb condition with only minor wear and traces of use. The stand with some abrasions, minute chipping and age cracks. The warrior may have once held something in his proper right hand, which is now missing. Provenance: From an English private collection.