An archaic bronze 'lion and grapes' mirror, Tang dynasty. Photo courtesy Bonhams

The centralised knop fashioned in the form of a recumbent beast, encircled by further five Buddhist lions amidst dense fruiting grape vines in two tiers separated by raised edges. 10.9cm diam. Estimate HK$ 50,000 - 80,000 (€4,800 - 7,700)

The design of sea creatures amidst grapevines is a popular motif during the Tang dynasty. For a comparable example in the Palace Museum, Beijing, see Bronze articles for Daily Use. The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum, Hong Kong, 2006, p.199, no.176.

Bonhams. FINE CHINESE CERAMICS AND WORKS OF ART. Hong Kong. 24 Nov 2013