Description:

East Asia, China, Tang Dynasty, ca. 618 to 907 CE. Sure to be a star in any collection, this ancient Chinese mirror has one smooth face that in antiquity was highly polished to create a reflective surface, while the other side is elegantly embellished with a vibrant decorative program created via repousse technique comprised of gilded gold birds and scrolling vines surrounding the central knob which is perforated so that a cord could be threaded through the hole to make it easier to carry. Upon close examination of the repousse, one will see that the artist used fine tools to define the details of the birds' feathers and leaf veins. The rim is raised and decorated with an abstract zigzag motif. Mirrors like this example, covered with thin silver or gold plaque with repousse, chasing, and ring-punched decoration are exceedingly rare. Similar examples are only found in the finest private and museum collections such as the Freer/Sackler Smithsonian Museum of Asian Art (see http://www.asia.si.edu/explore/asia/silkroad/mirror.asp). Scholars believe that such treasures, when not in use, were protected in silk bags or wraps. Upon close examination, the impressions of fabric are still visible on the raised bronze rim. A truly exceptional and important work of ancient Chinese visual culture! Size: 8.25" in diameter (21 cm)

Provenance: Ex - Chicago, IL collection, Ex Wayne Reed collection

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#115519

  • Condition: Intact save one nearly invisible nick to rim. Gold repousse and fine surface detailing is quite legible. Beautiful green patina to the bronze.

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June 22, 2016 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$300 $999 $50
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$2,000 $4,999 $250
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$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
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