Description:

East Asia, China, Tang Dynasty, ca. 7th to 10th century CE. A cast circular bronze mirror with a high tin content, lending the reflective surface a bright, silvery sheen. The reverse is richly decorated with concentric registers of stylized scrollwork, geometric bands, and floral motifs surrounding a domed central knob pierced for suspension. Mirrors such as this served both utilitarian and symbolic roles in ancient Chinese society. Initially exclusive to the elite due to the cost of production, the widespread rise of private workshops during the Tang Dynasty allowed access to a broader spectrum of society, including the burgeoning merchant class. These mirrors were not only used for personal grooming but also functioned as protective burial goods - often placed upon the chest of the deceased to deflect evil spirits. Additionally, they held ceremonial importance in weddings, where "marriage mirrors" were carried by brides and later hung above the marital bed to ensure harmony and spiritual protection. Size: 5" Diameter (12.7 cm)

Provenance: ex-T.F. Holy Lands collection, formed since the 1960s; ex-London art market, 1980s

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#193865

  • Condition: Green patina and oxidation, but intact. Surface was probably cleaned in some areas to reveal the polished bronze.

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June 20, 2025 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000