Lot 158. A large octafoil silvered bronze mirror, Tang Dynasty (618-907); 11 3/8in (28.9cm) across. Sold for US$ 8,925 (€ 7,603). © Bonhams 2001-2021

Cast in low relief on one side with paired phoenix and other paired birds, scrolling lotus and flowers around a central pierced knop within a single circular bow-string band, below birds and loosely grouped lotus sprays at the foliate-shaped octafoil border.

Note: For a smaller mirror with a similar design of confronted phoenix, albeit a less busy design, see Christie's, New York, 24 March 2011, lot 1271, where it is compared to a related mirror in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, illustrated by Ju-hsi Chou, Circles of Reflection: The Carter Collection of Chinese Bronze Mirrors, Cleveland, 2000, p. 74, no. 67.

Bonhams. Chinese Ceramics, Works of Art and Paintings, New York, 20 September 2021