Meiji-Era Miyao Sculpture Leads the Way at Bonhams’ Japanese and Korean Art Auction

Pottery and bronze sculptures were one of the first artistic goods produced by Japan. A large gilt bronze censor by Miyao from the Meiji era (1868 – 1912) is a top lot in Bonhams’ upcoming Japanese and Korean Art auction. It is cast in two shades of bronze. The coiling dragon in darker bronze supports an upturned temple bell in a lighter color. The bell or dōtaku is decorated with Buddhist wheels and lotus blossoms. The wooden stand is decorated with stylized dragons and scrolling vines in gold hiramaki-e (inlaid works).

Many Japanese and Korean artists began painting during the mid-15th century. A parody painting of the third princess, appearing as a courtesan, from The Tale of Genji by Kawanabe Kyōsai is a top lot in this category. It is a hanging scroll in ink depicting a beautiful woman wearing a kimono and obi sash with a design of a phoenix and dragons. A cat treads on the hem of her kimono. She is standing in front of a two-panel folding screen depicting geese flying in front of a full moon partially obscured by clouds. It is signed Jokū Kyōsai zu. The Third Princess (San-no-Miya) is a character in the 11th-century Japanese novel Genji Monogatari (The Tale of Genji), whose cat plays a role in the development of the plot. A painting with the same seals belongs to the Cleveland Museum of Art. Find the listed items and more on Bonhams auction and register to place a bid.