Lot 853. A bronze 'Mythical Beasts and Grapevine' mirror, Tang dynasty (618-907). Diameter  6 5/8  in., 16.8 cm. Estimate 2,000 — 3,000 USD. Lot sold 3,000 USD. Photo: Sotheby's.

cast in high relief with a central knop formed by a crouching beast encircled by four beasts, two geese and smaller birds among leafy fruiting vines bordered by a raised ring, the outer band with birds and further beasts amid grape clusters borne on scrolling vines, the dark silvery surface with pale green encrustation.

Provenance: Bluett & Sons, London (according to label).
Collection of Gino Soldi (1880-1958), Florence, Italy and thence by descent.

Sotheby's. Saturday at Sotheby's: Asian Art, New York, 16 Sep 2017