Tang Dynasty Bronze Mirror with Sea Beasts and Grapevine Design (High Tang Period, 8th Century)

拍品描述

Dimensions & Weight: Diameter 17.5 cm (approximately 6.9 inches, approximately 0.57 feet); Weight 1147 g (approximately 2.53 lbs); High Tang Period, 8th century bronze mirror。Condition & Provenance: The mirror is well preserved, with clearly defined high-relief decoration, natural turquoise-green corrosion, and deep aged patina developed over centuries. The surface and edges retain authentic signs of oxidation and historical aging. Provenance: Private Collection, California, USA。Description: This is a classic High Tang sea beast and grapevine bronze mirror, featuring a perfectly round form, finely cast decoration, and a luminous silver-white patina that represents one of the most iconic types of Tang dynasty bronze mirrors. The reverse is decorated in high relief, with raised borders dividing the composition into inner and outer sections. The central knob is shaped as a powerful crouching beast, creating a strong focal point. The inner section features flowing grapevines with lush leaves, clusters of grapes, and several mythical beasts moving dynamically through the vines. Each animal is modeled with carefully carved details, from the flowing manes to the muscular bodies, creating a lively and balanced composition. The outer section is filled with birds, auspicious animals, and butterflies moving among the grape branches, while the rim is finished with a continuous cloud-scroll pattern that adds a refined decorative frame. The bronze surface displays a brilliant silver-toned patina known as “white light,” accented by naturally formed layers of green corrosion that have penetrated into the metal surface over time. The raised decoration remains crisp and expressive, reflecting the magnificent artistic style of the Tang dynasty. The polished mirror face also preserves natural aged corrosion marks, showing the passage of more than a thousand years. Combining Chinese and Western artistic influences, the grapevine symbolizes abundance and prosperity, while the mythical beasts represent auspicious blessings. The sea beast grapevine mirror is an important testament to cultural exchange during the Tang dynasty and remains highly prized among collectors.

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