CHINA, TANG DYNASTY (AD 618-907)

Details

A MINIATURE GOLD SHEET-INLAID BRONZE OCTAFOIL MIRROR
CHINA, TANG DYNASTY (AD 618-907)
The bronze mirror is inlaid with a gold sheet chased with a central crouching animal surrounded by two lions alternating with birds amidst grapevine, all on a ring-punched ground below a raised, ring-punched border
2 3/8 in. (6 cm.) wide, box
Bronze mirror 65 g
Gold sheet 5 g

Provenance

The Collection of Robert H. Ellsworth, New York, acquired in Hong Kong, 1989.

Special Notice

This lot is offered without reserve.

Brought to you by

Michael Bass

asianartny@christies.com +1 212 636 2180

Lot Essay

Tiny mirrors were known as 'inch mirrors' (cunjing) or 'sleeve mirrors' (xiujing) due to their extremely portable nature. Popular during the Tang dynasty, such small, but intricately decorated, mirrors were favored by nobility. The technique of decorating mirrors with gold or silver sheeting is not only representative of Tang opulence but is also a testament to the skill of Tang metal-smiths.

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