Akasofu Gyoko, Japanese (19th Century), Great Samurai

Akasofu Gyoko Japanese (19th Century) Great Samurai Warriors, Kusunoki Masatsura and Masashige portrait bronze sculptures A finely detailed pair of heroes who defended Japan by invading forces of Kublai Kahn. Each hero holds a Canopy of Victory with the marks of their clan. The metal is an alloy called portrait bronze, the result of gold, silver and copper in various proportion as a result of a fire in a temple where precious metals are melted together. Signed in cartouche on one. The other cartouche is missing. Each hero is wearing the armor of the Samarai and carried a sword. They are the brothers Kusunoki Masatsura and Masashige. One has an "Officers Square" with a winged dragon (Ryu and the other a lion (Shishi) with a sphere). The armor is highly decorated. 37"H (to top of banner) approx. 25 1/2"H (each figure) x 10 1/2"W (warrior) 31 1/4"H x 16 1/4W (stand)