A RARE BRONZE SQUARE MIRROR WITH APSARAS

TANG DYNASTY (618-907)

Details

A RARE BRONZE SQUARE MIRROR WITH APSARAS
TANG DYNASTY (618-907)
Finely and unusually cast with two apsaras or celestial beings shown with trailing scarves and sashes as they fly amidst vaporous clouds between a phoenix and a crane, with silvery grey patina
4¾ in. (12 cm.) square, 3/16 (.4 cm.) in. thick, box
511g

Provenance

A.W. Bahr (1877-1959).
Robert H. Ellsworth Collection, New York, acquired from Edna Bahr, Connecticut, late 1960s.

If you wish to view the condition report of this lot, please sign in to your account.

View condition report

Lot Essay

The decoration on this mirror is extremely rare. Apsaras (tianren), are celestial beings or angels associated with Buddhism and are usually depicted in flight wearing garments and scarves that trail behind them. According to Fang Jing Pei, Symbols and Rebuses in Chinese Art, Berkeley/Toronto, 2004, p. 14, when Buddhism was introduced to China from India, apsaras became known as tianren, as they wore scarves of five colors which blew in the wind. The crane is a symbol of longevity, and also represents high rank, and when shown in flight represents a wish for a rise in rank. The phoenix is also a symbol of longevity and may also represent prosperity and great blessings.

More from Luminous Perfection: Fine Chinese Mirrors from the Robert H. Ellsworth Collection

View All