A bronze 'Mythical Beasts' mirror with inscription, Sui-Early Tang dynasty. Estimation 7,000 — 9,000 USD. Photo Sotheby's.

cast in the central field with four mythical beasts encircling the hemispherical knob, within a dogtooth border, the outer border with a twenty-character inscription written in kaishu style. Diameter 4 3/4  in., 12 cm

Provenance: Private Asian collection, circa 1980-90, by repute. 

Notes:  Translation of the inscription: 

(The mirror) is like a water caltrop growing in the sunshine, the full moon appears in the pond.  Officials check if their headgear is in the way, and ladies gaze at the mirror to perfect their make-up.

Sotheby's. Inscriptions: History as Art New York, 17 mars 2015, 01:30 PM