A silvery bronze circular 'Lion and grapevine' mirror, Tang dynasty (AD 618-907). Estimate $6,000 – $8,000. Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2015
The central knob is surrounded by four lions clambering amidst fruiting grapevine, and in the outer field with birds amidst further grapevine, all below a narrow border of classic scroll. There are patches of malachite encrustation throughout. 4 ½ in. (11.7 cm.) diam., Japanese wood box; 520 g
Provenance: Acquired in Tokyo, 1985.
Christie's FINE CHINESE CERAMICS AND WORKS OF ART, 17 - 18 September 2015, New York, Rockefeller Plaza