Lot Essay
This mirror has the elegant profile which is often believed to be merely formalised, but is interpreted as a linghua, water-chestnut blossom, by R.W. Swallow, Ancient Chinese Bronze Mirrors, no.64.
TANG DYNASTY
Details
A LARGE SILVERED BRONZE OCTAFOIL BARBED MIRROR
tang dynasty
The central medallion crisply cast with a pair of phoenix above and below pairs of smaller songbirds, all perched above floral sprays amongst scattered blooms, insects and clouds, surrounded by birds alternating with floral sprays within each lobe beneath the raised rim, the dark silver surface with areas of incrustation
11 3/8in. (29cm.) diam., box
tang dynasty
The central medallion crisply cast with a pair of phoenix above and below pairs of smaller songbirds, all perched above floral sprays amongst scattered blooms, insects and clouds, surrounded by birds alternating with floral sprays within each lobe beneath the raised rim, the dark silver surface with areas of incrustation
11 3/8in. (29cm.) diam., box