Lot 1015. A silvery bronze 'Lion and Grapewine' mirror, Tang dynasty (AD 618-907); 7 in. (17.7 cm.) diam. Estimate USD 20,000 - USD 30,000. Price Realized USD 68,750. © Christie's Image Ltd 2014

The mirror is crisply cast with a central knob formed as a crouching animal surrounded by six lions frolicking amidst fruiting grapevine that continues over a raised edge into the outer field where six further lions alternate with birds shown from various angles, all below a band of small detached clouds at the rim. The mirror has a silvery patina and areas of malachite encrustation, box.