TWO BRONZE MIRRORS TANG DYNASTY |

each cast with a lion knop encircled by six smaller recumbent mythical beasts and grapevines, enclosed by a band of birds alternating with clusters of grapes, together with an unusual 'boys at play' bronze mirror, Song / Jin dynasty (3)

The 'mythical beasts and grapevine' mirror (1967-2009) and 'boys at play' mirror (1968-2009): 
Brooklyn Museum of Art, New York, on loan.
The 'mythical beasts and grapevine' mirror:
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, on loan (1967-2009).

The mirror has some very light green and malachite encrustation which has been polished down in the past and which covers the decorated side. It has one small chip/casting flaw approximately 1/8 in. (0.3 cm) and another shallow chip/casting flaw approximately 1/4 in. (0.6 cm) to the rim of the reflective side. There is one chip/casting flaw approximately 1/4 in. (0.6 cm) to the rim of the decorated side. The reflective side has some encrustation to the sides and at the edges which have been polished down in the past. The small 'lion and grapevine' bronze mirror is in overall good condition. The small 'boys' bronze mirror is in overall good condition.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The famous and now classic 'mythical beasts and grapevine' design was derived from the Mediterranean area and the Middle East and arrived at the Tang capital Chang'an via the Silk Road. During the height of the Tang dynasty there was a distinct predilection for exotica and this attractive design with striding lions and abundant grape clusters would have been a very desirable luxury item. For further discussion on the design and some of its variations see Totu Nakano, Bronze Mirrors from Ancient China, Donald H. Graham Jr. Collection, Hong Kong, 1994.pp. 206 - 223.