Monumental Pair of Japanese Bronze Samurai – Miyao Style, 20th Century

A monumental Japanese warrior pair

Created as a deliberate pendant set, these two large Japanese samurai figures combine imposing scale with exceptionally elaborate metalwork. Their poses, helmets and individual ornament differ, while the matching bases, layered surface treatment and tall dragon-topped standards establish them as a unified pair. The construction is bronze/copper alloy with parcel-gilt and polychrome surface decoration.

Catalogue details

• Date: 20th century
• Origin: Japan
• Material: bronze/copper alloy with parcel-gilt and polychrome decoration
• Figure A: H 154.5 × W 65 cm
• Figure B: H 149.5 × W 65 cm
• Weight: approx. 60 kg per figure (approx. 120 kg total)
• Maker: unsigned / unknown
• Attribution: in the style of Miyao Eisuke
• Sale: offered only as the complete pair

Armour and surface work

Each warrior is equipped with a sword and helmet construction derived from kabuto and shikoro forms. The armour and garments are worked with dense punched and chased textures, enriched by dragon, cloud, wave and floral motifs. Decoration continues around the backs and across the substantial metal bases. A row of five circular emblems on the base fronts corresponds most closely with Ken-Katabami (剣片喰), possibly Maru ni Ken Katabami; no specific clan commission is asserted.

Dragon-topped standards

The long detachable standards terminate in complex openwork, pagoda-like structures crowned by dragons. One upper section was designed to open and shows a fitted rim with wear from use; its counterpart is fixed shut. No convincing candle socket, oil reservoir, wick fitting, electrical fitting or incense arrangement has been identified, so the original function of these upper structures remains undesignated.

Construction history

Inside the hollow-cast figures are separately cast sections, older joins, heavily oxidised iron components, mineral deposits and evidence of more than one mounting phase. Several earlier fixing points were subsequently closed, while the present threaded rods and bolts are later attachments. These features form part of the visible construction and repair history of the pair.

Dating and stylistic attribution

The pair is unsigned. On the present documentation it is catalogued as 20th century and in the style of Miyao Eisuke. An external specialist in Japanese art, working from photographs, likewise placed the figures in the 20th century and within the Miyao stylistic tradition. The precise original purpose of the upper structures has not been established.

Each object is examined before it is offered: material, casting or carving technique, surface, and signs of age are compared with documented references. You will receive a certificate of authenticity and an official invoice detailing the period, material, and available provenance.

How we verify authenticity

Fully insured worldwide shipping in museum-quality packaging. Returns are sent to our Dutch address and you have a 14-day cooling-off period.

Read the shipping policy and the refund policy.

Pay securely at checkout with credit card, Klarna, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. The certificate of authenticity and the invoice are included in the price.