A silvery bronze circular 'Lion and grapevine' mirror, Tang dynasty (AD 618-907). Estimate $7,000 – $9,000. Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2015
The central knob shaped as a crouching beast is surrounded by six lions clambering amidst grapevine and in the outer field with animals racing between various birds amidst further grapevine, all below a narrow border of foliate scroll at the rim. There is malachite encrustation around the sides and on the reverse. 6 in. (15.1 cm.) diam., Japanese wood box; 613 g
Provenance: Acquired in Tokyo, 1985.
Christie's FINE CHINESE CERAMICS AND WORKS OF ART, 17 - 18 September 2015, New York, Rockefeller Plaza