A rare large gold-sheet-applied bronze mirror. Tang Dynasty.

The underside completely plain, the top with a boss surrounded by an applied sheet elaborately carved with scrolling foliage containing two single flying birds divided by two running beasts at the compass points, the surface with extensive light corrosion, fitted box. 22cm (8¾in) diam. (2). Estimate: £10,000 - 15,000

Footnote: Provenance: Cleveland Museum of Art, no. tr1678/1.5

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Bonhams New Bond Street. Fine Chinese Art, 5 Nov 2007 www.bonhams.com