Lot 1407. A large bronze circular 'bird' mirror, late Warring States period, 3rd century BC. Estimate USD 7,000 - USD 10,000. Price realised USD 9,375 © Christie's Images Ltd 2012.

With triple-fluted loop surrounded by a patterned band repeated in the main field as the ground for three birds with scrolling interlocking bodies and long angular crests extending from the back of their heads, all within the upright rim, with dark silver-grey patina - 9 3/8 in. (23.7 cm.) diam., 5/16 in. (.7 cm.) thick, box - 816.7g

Provenance: Robert H. Ellsworth Collection, New York, acquired in Hong Kong, 1960s. 

Notes: Mirrors of this type are illustrated in Zhongguo Qingtongqi Quanji - 16 - Bronze Mirrors, Beijing, 1998, p. 10, no. 10, excavated in 1952 at Changsha, Hunan province; Ancient Bronze Mirrors from the Shanghai Museum, Shanghai, 2005, 1998, pp. 100-1, no. 15 (16.5 cm.); one from the Sumitomo Collection in the exhibition catalogue, Chinese Bronze Mirrors, Sen-Oku Hakuko Kan, Kyoto, 8 January - 6 March 2011, p. 15, no. 13 (20.3 cm.); and one illustrated by Ju-hsi Chou, Circles of Reflection: The Carter Collection of Chinese Bronze Mirrors, The Cleveland Museum of Art, 2000, p. 28, no. 6. 

Christie's. Luminous Perfection: Fine Chinese Mirrors from the Robert H. Ellsworth Collection, 22 March 2012, New York, Rockefeller Center