Warring‑States Period Bronze Mirror With Mother‑of‑Pearl Inlaid Phoenix And Auspicious‑Beast Motifs

拍品描述

Dimensions: 18 cm/7.1 inches in diameter, 2142 g/4.72 lbs, Ming Dynasty (15th-17th century). Condition and Provenance: Overall excellent. The bronze mirror retains natural signs of age and exhibits green and reddish-brown mineral corrosion. The black lacquer is intact, and the mother-of-pearl inlay is clearly visible with natural wear consistent with its age. Provenance: From a private collection in California, USA, long held in a private Asian art collection. Description: This rare ancient bronze mirror perfectly blends bronze casting, lacquer work, and mother-of-pearl inlay techniques. The mirror is round, thick in bronze, and has a wide, rounded edge. The back is coated with a deep black lacquer base, contrasting sharply with the lustrous mother-of-pearl decoration. A central hemispherical knob is surrounded by four evenly spaced rivets, forming a balanced decorative pattern. The back is intricately carved and inlaid with colorful shells forming phoenixes, auspicious mythical beasts, and floral motifs. The phoenix motif showcases elegant, flowing feathers, shimmering with blue, green, and gold hues against the natural shell material. The mythical beasts, sculpted with powerful forms, symbolize protection and good fortune. Floral and foliage patterns interspersed throughout complete the overall composition, creating a refined and harmonious visual effect. This mirror blends three exquisite traditional techniques—bronze casting, black lacquer finishing, and mother-of-pearl inlay—demonstrating the superb craftsmanship of ancient Chinese decorative arts. With its elegant depictions of dragons, phoenixes, auspicious mythical beasts, and flowers, this mirror possesses not only significant historical value but also exceptional decorative appeal, making it an ideal choice for collectors.

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