Lot Essay
Mirrors of this general type are discussed by Thompson, "The Evolution of the T'ang Lion and Grapevine Mirror", Artibus Asiae, 1967, vol. XXIX, pp. 25-40, fig. 13, where a similarly elaborate mirror, with an additional design border around the center, from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, is illustrated.
However, it is exceedingly rare to find an example with one of the lions exposing his genitals. See also another similar illustrated in the exhibition, National Treasures - Gems of China's Relics, Hong Kong, 1997, Catalogue, pp. 260 and 261, no. 103, excavated from Hubin district, Shaan County, in Henan province in 1958. The complex composition exemplifies one of the most popular mirror designs prevalent during the reigns of Emperor Gaozong (r. 650-683) and Empress Wu Zetian (r. 684-704).
However, it is exceedingly rare to find an example with one of the lions exposing his genitals. See also another similar illustrated in the exhibition, National Treasures - Gems of China's Relics, Hong Kong, 1997, Catalogue, pp. 260 and 261, no. 103, excavated from Hubin district, Shaan County, in Henan province in 1958. The complex composition exemplifies one of the most popular mirror designs prevalent during the reigns of Emperor Gaozong (r. 650-683) and Empress Wu Zetian (r. 684-704).