A silvery bronze octalobed mirror, Tang dynasty (AD 618-907)
Lot 1013. A silvery bronze octalobed mirror, Tang dynasty (AD 618-907); 4¾ in. (12 cm.) diam. Estimate USD 5,000 - USD 7,000. Price Realized USD 11,250. © Christie's Image Ltd 2014
The central animal-form knop is surrounded by four mandarin ducks, two in flight, alternating with flower sprigs, below alternating clouds and flower sprigs within the lobes of the rim, wood box.
Provenance: Acquired in Hawaii, 4 April 1989.
Note: This mirror would have been an appropriate wedding gift, as mirrors were part of a bride's trousseau, and mandarin ducks are a symbol of conjugal bliss. The combination of mandarin ducks and lotus represents a wish for a couple being paired for life.
Christie's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, New York, 18 - 19 September 2014