A gilt bronze box in the form of a crane, signed Miyao宫尾

19th century, Japan

H: 6.5 cm W: 16.5 cm

This box is in the form of a seated crane looking intently forwards, his long legs tucked beneath his body, surmounted on the oval hinged lid by a hand fan, a fly whisk with elaborate tasselled handle, and a hand scroll. Various details are picked out with gilding, and the bronze on the fan has been toned to a darker patina. The lid when opened reveals a concave silver lining. The two character signature is contained within a rectangular gilt plaque on the underside.