Lot 186. A bronze 'Sea Beasts and Grapes' mirror, Tang Dynasty (618-907). Diameter 4 5/8 in., 11.7 cm. Estimate 8,000 — 12,000 USD. Lot sold 10,000 USD. Photo Sotheby's

cast in high relief with a crouching sea beast knob encircled with grape vines and four further sea beasts, the outer field with twelve birds amidst similar vine scrolls, below a band of floral designs, the silvery-gray patina with green encrustation. 

Provenance: Old Japanese collection, circa 1980, by repute

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art, New York, 18 march 2014