A Small Bronze Square 'Lion and Grapevine' Mirror. Tang Dynasty (618-907). Photo: Christie's Images Ltd 2012

The mirror is cast in high relief with four lions amidst grapevine surrounding the crouching lion knob, and separated by a square border from the birds, dragonflies and butterflies shown amidst further grapevine in the outer border. The surface has a silvery patina with areas of encrustations. 3 9/16 in. (9 cm.) square, ¾ in. (1 cm.) thick - Estimate $6,000 - $8,000

唐 海獸葡萄纹方銅鏡

Provenance: Acquired in Palm Beach, Florida, in the late 1980s. 

Christie's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art Part II, 13 September 2012. New York, Rockefeller Plaza