Lot 37. A silvered bronze circular 'mythical beasts' mirror, 14.2cm (5.5/8in) diam.; and a bronze 'bosses' mirror, Han Dynasty (206 BC-220 AD), 10.2cm (4in) diam. Estimate 1 000 € - 1 500 €. Courtesy Bonhams.
Comprising a silvered bronze circular mirror, finely cast with striding spirit beasts alternating with four bosses, within narrow geometric pattern and inscribed bands, 14.2cm (5.5/8in) diam.; and a small bronze mirror cast in high relief with a central floral knop encircled by four bosses and scrolling foliate design with further raised decoration, within lobed border, 10.2cm (4in) diam. (2).
Provenance: Robert Rousset, Paris (1901-1981), acquired prior to 1935
Jean-Pierre Rousset, Paris (1936-2021).
Note: Very similar mirrors to the present lot, Han dynasty, are illustrated by J.Rawson and E.Bunker, Ancient Chinese and Ordos Bronzes, Hong Kong, 1998, p.242, no.161 and p.254, no.173.
Lot 38. A rare silvered bronze circular 'dragons' mirror, Tang Dynasty (618-906 AD), 14.2cm (5 5/8in) diam. Estimate 1 000 € - 1 500 €. Courtesy Bonhams.
With large domed central knop, encircled by a band of stylised dragons, within inscribed and comb pattern bands, the raised outer border with three thin bands of saw-tooth and zig-zag design.
Provenance: Robert Rousset, Paris (1901-1981), acquired prior to 1935
Jean-Pierre Rousset, Paris (1936-2021).
Note: This mirror is unusual for the fine casting of two large dragons or mythical beasts within the central medallion. Compare with a related silvery bronze circular mirror with two hounds and an inscription, Sui/early Tang dynasty, which was sold at Christie's New York, 22 March 2012, lot 1431.
Lot 39. A silvered bronze foliate-form 'horse rider and lion' mirror, Tang Dynasty (618-906 AD), 12.7cm (12in) wide. Estimate 800 € - 1 200€. Courtesy Bonhams.
Cast in high relief to the centre with two celestial figures riding galloping sprit beasts, alternating with mountain peaks amongst cloud scrolls, the border cast with two trailing foliate stems within a raised rim.
Provenance: Robert Rousset, Paris (1901-1981), acquired prior to 1935
Jean-Pierre Rousset, Paris (1936-2021).
Note: A similar ocatafoil bronze mirror, Tang dynasty, is illustrated by Ji-hsi Chou, Circles of Reflection: The Carter Collection of Chinese Bronze Mirrors, Cleveland, 2000, p.70, no.62.
Bonhams. The Robert and Jean-Pierre Rousset Collection of Asian Art: A Century of Collecting - Part 1. Paris, 25 october 2022.