Lot 132. A bronze 'Auspicious animals' mirror, Tang dynasty (618-907). Diameter 6 1/4  in., 15.9 cm. Estimate 7,000 — 9,000 USD. Lot sold 8,750 USD. Photo: Sotheby's.

the central knob cast as a turtle, surrounded by auspicious animals including two deer, a tiger and a rabbit between mountains rising from the sea, below further flower sprigs, the patina of silvery-gray color with areas of malachite encrustation.

Provenance: Old Japanese collection, circa 1980, by repute.