A LARGE BRONZE 'RHINOCEROS' MIRROR TANG DYNASTY

of circular form, cast in relief with two confronted rhinoceros, each similarly depicted standing in profile, with long raised ears, distinctive curving horn and thick, folding, dimpled hide, amidst flowering plants, birds and insects above gently swirling water, a trellis fence encircling a small grove of leafing trees at the top, all centered by a plain central knop and within a raised undecorated rim, the patina of dark-gray

Robert Beck Gallery, San Anselmo, California, 1970.
Charles Bromwell (1936-2005), San Francisco, California.

The central knop has some losses around the edge of the aperture on both sides. There are some minute nicks along the edges, as can be expected. The mirror with a thin layer of veneer (possibly corrosion-resistant coating), which is now lifting and peeling in several areas. General wear to the surface, consistent with age and use.
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.

Tang dynasty depictions of rhinoceros are rare. The present composition is the only one known to feature on a mirror the famed creature which by the 8th century had attained near-mythological status.

There appear to be two variations of these mirrors; examples with birds to either side of the large leafy trees and examples without. Those with birds, and closest to the present example, include one in the Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto illustrated in Sueji Umehara, Shina-Koda Seikwa, Ancient Mirrors, part II, vol. II, Osaka, 1933, pl. 148.; and another in Cheng Congwen, ed. Bronze Mirrors of Tang and Song Dynasties, Beijing, 1958, pl. 24. An example without the flying birds is in the Palace Museum and illustrated in The Palace Museum's Collections of Bronze Mirrors, Beijing, 2008, pl. 35 and another of this type from the collection of Robert H. Ellsworth was sold in Christie's New York, 22nd March 2012, lot 1450.