Page 55 - 2021 March 17th Japanese and Korean Art, Bonhams NYC New York

PROPERTY FROM A BEVERLY HILLS, CA PRIVATE COLLECTION The lively modeling of the small figure atop the clock face recalls similar
figures based on classic Japanese and Chinese prototypes seen in on
605 monumental bronzes of the early 1890s such as a massive incense
AN IMPRESSIVE BRONZE AND MIXED-METAL CLOCK burner in the Khalili collection (see Joe Earle, Splendors of Imperial Japan:
Meiji era (1868-1912), late 19th century Arts of the Meiji Period from the Khalili Collection, London, Khalili Family
Executed primarily in cast bronze with low-relief gilt decoration, the white Trust, 2002, cat. no. 187), although here the extensive use of surface
enamel clock face with Arabic numerals superimposed with an openwork gilding suggests that this clock was, at least in part, the work of the Miyao
gilt ornament, the body of the clock modeled as a taiko drum, its sides with Company of Yokohama. The overall form of the mounts was likely based on
simulated wood grain, panels of floral decoration, and monster masks, the familiar model of a cockerel atop a taiko drum on a stand, a favorite with
the clock face surrounded by a dragon with flames and a shishi with a Meiji-era metalworkers.
tasseled ball in its mouth, supported on four cloud-form legs cast and gilt
with peonies, the finial in the form of a boy richly dressed in a Chinese-style The name Man’ei on the base to appears to refer to a company previously
helmet and robes, balanced on one foot and wielding a baton in each hand, trading as Echigoya Man’ei and originally based in Adachi-gun, Musashi
signed underneath with a inlaid gilt seal Man’ei seizo (Produced by Man’ei) Province (north of Tokyo) which changed its name to Man’ei in 1896
36in (91.4cm) high (see http://www.7-11manei.com/company.html). Since the clock itself is
probably somewhat earlier than 1896, it is likely that, in common with other
companies such as Hattori, Man’ei operated in part as a dealer in high-
$15,000 - 25,000 quality goods rather than a manufacturer.

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