Lot 113
  • 113

A BRONZE 'MYTHICAL BEASTS' MIRROR WITH INSCRIPTION SUI DYNASTY

Estimate
5,000 - 7,000 USD
bidding is closed

Description

  • bronze
cast with a central hemispherical knob enclosed by an octagonal frame, and six compartments each with a mythical beast, along the outer band an inscription written in kaishu style 

Provenance

Private Asian collection, circa 1980-90, by repute.

Catalogue Note

Translation of the inscription

A coiling dragon decorates the fine (mirror) box, and a new (mirror) stand painted with dancing phoenix. When the mirror is out, like a fabulous bird being disturbed and landscape appears,  the sun shines and flowers blossom.  (The mirror) is as round as a turning jade bi-disc, as the full moon cycling back.  Its elegant shape reflects profundity, revealing the gall bladder and its great brightness comes through.