- 186
A RARE BRONZE MIRROR STAND YUAN / MING DYNASTY
Estimate
6,000 - 8,000 USD
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Description
- bronze
the mythical beast well-cast as a recumbent xiniu with its raised head turned to one side looking upward and modeled with a bifurcated horn, curling tufts of hair on either side of the face and at the chin, the mouth issuing trailing cloud wisps that rise to form the channeled crescent-shaped mirror support; together with three Song / Yuan Dynasty mirrors (4)
Condition
There is a visible square patch restoration on the right haunch and another small patch on the right shoulder of the figure. The patina with general wear consistent with age and use, and some green encrustation where the mirror is inserted and to one front hoof. The mirrors with several small dents to the inner and outer rims and significant wear to the surface.
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.
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.
Catalogue Note
From the 12th through the 14th century, the most popular lunar-loving bovine was the xiniu, an imaginary creature, often described as a mythical rhinoceros, who communicated with the sky. According to some legends, the animal's peculiar horn is formed while he is gazing at the moon. In other more complicated accounts, the horn elongates to a point after 1,000 years, is then ordained with white stars, and exhales a vapor that penetrates the sky.
A similar recumbent mythical beast-form mirror stand of smaller size from the Kresko Collection is illustrated in Philip K. Hu, Later Chinese Bronzes, St. Louis Art Museum, 2008, pp. 70-73, no. 12, where different descriptions of the beast in early Chinese literature and more recent research are discussed at length and the author elects to name the beast a djeiran. Another example of similar form but with parcel-gilt surface, in the Victoria and Albert Museum, is illustrated in Rose Kerr, Later Chinese Bronzes, London, 1990, pp. 100-101, no. 87. During the late Ming, renewed focus on particular archaistic themes produced distinctive forms of this type.
A similar recumbent mythical beast-form mirror stand of smaller size from the Kresko Collection is illustrated in Philip K. Hu, Later Chinese Bronzes, St. Louis Art Museum, 2008, pp. 70-73, no. 12, where different descriptions of the beast in early Chinese literature and more recent research are discussed at length and the author elects to name the beast a djeiran. Another example of similar form but with parcel-gilt surface, in the Victoria and Albert Museum, is illustrated in Rose Kerr, Later Chinese Bronzes, London, 1990, pp. 100-101, no. 87. During the late Ming, renewed focus on particular archaistic themes produced distinctive forms of this type.