A silvery bronze 'TLV' circular mirror, Eastern Han dynasty (AD 25-220). Estimate $8,000 – $12,000. Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2015

The central knob is within a square band of twelve nipples alternating with the characters of the Twelve Branches, surrounded by 'TLV' motifs and eight nipples, the Guardians of the Four Directions (Blue Dragon, Red Bird, White Tiger and the Dark Warrior), as well as other animals, birds and pixie, all encircled by an inscription, a hatchured border, and sawtooth bands on the raised rim. There are areas of malachite and ferrous encrustation. 6 ½ in. (16.5 cm.) diam., Japanese wood box - 578 g

Provenance: Acquired in Hong Kong, 1985.

Christie's  FINE CHINESE CERAMICS AND WORKS OF ART, 17 - 18 September 2015, New York, Rockefeller Plaza