TRANSLATION HELP, PLEASE.

[Mervyn Mitton]

Hi - Paul. I am wondering if any of your members would be able to help me with this script ? I have just bought one of the nicest bronzes I have seen for years - has many sumo wrestlers supporting it and a Samurai on the top. I will post it on the Lounge tomorrow, since I think members will be interested - would be nice if it turned out to be by a well known Master ... I hope I have the script the right way around ?

[RichC]

It says 'Made by Miyao.' Miyao Eisuke (宮尾栄助) was a famous artist who worked in bronze. Tokyo area, Meiji era. Not sure if it is the same artist since you didn't post other pics...

[Mervyn Mitton]

Rich - you have made my day ! Many,many thanks for that information. I have established that the piece is a TORO or, incense burner and it is one of the most elaborate of all of those on the internet. I will post a full set of pictures on the Lounge later today. Would they also be of interest on this Japanese sub-Forum - I don't mind repeating them ?

Once again thankyou for your help. Mervyn

[Paul L Murphy]

I just had a look at the photos in the Lounge. Definitely they would look good here, it is a lovely piece.

[RichC]

You're welcome, Mervyn. Not sure if it is the same artist, but anyway that gives you a start. Love to see the pictures when you have time.

[Mervyn Mitton]

Hi - your Forum is not one that I post to - although we have some very good Japanese art in South Africa, it does not always have a Militaria background. This unusual item could fit under several headings - including Naval, since it's award in a top Regatta is uncommon in itself.

My original Post is on the Lounge - with a longer description.

This is a KORO or, incense burner - also known as a Censer. Many Japanese households - of a certain standing - would have KORO. They were usually much smaller and could also be of ceramics. However, the sheer size of this one - 39 inches high (100 cm) and 17 1/2 inches wide (44 cm) shows it's importance. I suspect an important household or, even a Temple. The weight is great and even though it takes apart into six pieces the middle section needs two people to lift. The condition is amazing - bearing in mind that if it was a prize in 1905, then it was probably made in the 1890's.

Thanks to Rich we know that the artist was the Bronze Master EISUKE MIYAO - who worked in Yokohama. One has only to look him up on Google to see the similarity in his othe KOROS - which are fairly limited in number. All KORO seem to have a figure as the finial on the top of the lid - however, I could find nor reference to any others with a Samurai - and in such magnificent detail. The other important differencse are the four supporters for the main body - these appear to represent Sumo wrestlers but, are not wearing the costume we see on TV.

We have a lot of research to do still and if any members can offer advice it will be gratefully received.

[Mervyn Mitton]

[Mervyn Mitton]

[Mervyn Mitton]

[Mervyn Mitton]

'MOYANA' was of 52 feet in length (1560 cm) and the letters after the length are Lloyds Registry. She would have been one of those magnificent racing yacts from that period - and would have been owned by someone of importance.