A bronze 'Mythical Beasts' mirror, Sui Dynasty. Photo Sotheby's

the pierced central knob surrounded by four mythical beasts in pursuit of one another, encircled by an inscription within raised borders of various geometric designs. Diameter 5 1/8 in., 13 cm. Estimation 15,000 — 20,000 USD

Provenance: Old Japanese collection, circa 1980, by repute

Sotheby's. FINE CHINESE CERAMICS & WORKS OF ART. 18 MARS 2014 - 19 MARS 2014. NEW YORK - www.sothebys.com