A rare silvery grey bronze octalobed mirror. Tang dynasty (618-907). Photo: Christie's Images Ltd 2012

Of kuihua (sunflower) shape, finely cast in relief with two winged xiniu prancing either side of the knob, with lotus plants above and below the knob, all within the circular raised edge of the lobed outer band decorated with alternating insects and baoxianghua sprigs, with some malachite encrustation; 6¼ in. (15.9 cm.) across, ¼ in. (.5 cm.) thick, box - 757.9g. Estimate $30,000 - $50,000

唐 瑞獸紋葵花式鍍銀銅鏡

Provenance: Robert H. Ellsworth Collection, New York, acquired in Hong Kong, 1992. 

Notes: The decoration on this mirror of a pair of winged xiniu appears to be very rare.

The xiniu ('spirit-rhinoceros-unicorn') is a mythical animal, and is usually shown recumbent with head turned backwards as if to gaze up at the moon. On this mirror they are shown as a pair and prancing as they face each other, and may symbolize true love between the happy couple. 

Christies. Luminous Perfection: Fine Chinese Mirrors from the Robert H. Ellsworth Collection, 22 March 2012, New York, Rockefeller Plaza