Lot 1153. A bronze octalobed mirror, Tang Dynasty (618-907); 6¾ and 6 in. (17.2 and 15.3 cm.) across. Estimate USD 7,000 - USD 9,000. Price Realised USD 20,000. © Christie's Image Ltd 2013

Of kuihua (sunflower) shape, the mirror is well cast in the main field with a three-clawed dragon shown amidst clouds as it turns its head around to grasp the 'pearl', which is formed by the knob, below a raised border and alternating insects and flower sprigs in the lobed outer field. The patina is of mottled black and silver color. Together with a bronze circular mirror, Tang dynasty, which is cast in relief with a phoenix and three other birds separated by flower stems and insects. 

Provenance: Raymond A. Bidwell (1876-1954) Collection.
The Springfield Museums, Springfield, Massachusetts, accessioned in 1962.

Literature: Octalobed mirror: Catalogue of the International Exhbition of Chinese Art, Royal Academy of Arts, London, 1935-36, no. 668. The Raymond A. Bidwell Collection of Chinese Bronzes and Ceramics, Museum of Fine Arts, Springfield, Massachusetts, 1965, pp. 58-59.

Exhibited: Octalobed mirror: London, Royal Academy of Arts, International Exhibition of Chinese Art, 1935-36, no. 668.

Christie's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, 21 - 22 March 2013, New York, Rockefeller Plaza