Bronze Mirror with Four Mountain Patterns, Warring States Period, 4th-3rd Century B.C.

拍品描述

Dimensions：Diameter 21.3cm (8.39 in), Weight 897g, 4th to 3rd Century B.C.Condition & Provenance：The bronze mirror is fully intact without cracks, perforations or restorations. The rim maintains a neat round shape, the reflective surface remains flat with only faint light scratches from ancient daily use, no modern polishing or acid artificial patina treatment. The relief patterns on the reverse are sharply defined; the swirling ground patterns and four mountain motifs retain full crisp detail without heavy wear. The central bridge knob is perfectly preserved, the bronze body is dense and weighty, coated with natural layered teal ancient bronze patina that is solid and free of synthetic chemical rust. Provenance: Long-term private bronze collection of a veteran antiquities collector based in Bay Area, California, USA. Acquired through a Los Angeles Asian antique dealership in 1998, kept within one family for 28 years. It was only exhibited at a small Asian bronze special showcase in San Francisco, California, and has never been consigned to any public auction.Description：This bronze cosmetic mirror carved with four mountain motifs is a iconic Chu-style bronze artwork dating to the Warring States Period. Large-sized intact examples of this type are incredibly scarce on the market, classified as high-grade ancient bronze daily ritual ware. The mirror was cast in one piece from high-tin bronze using traditional sectional mold casting techniques, delivering a thick, weighty body. A square bridge knob sits at the exact center of the reverse face. Dense swirling cloud vortex patterns serve as the background ground, with four large triangular mountain-shaped emblems symmetrically arranged around the knob. Curling vortex and circular dot ornaments fill the negative space between mountain motifs, creating a well-balanced dense layout with striking three-dimensional relief carving, fully showcasing the classic Chu bronze casting craftsmanship of the Warring States era. The reflective front side was finely polished flat, retaining original bronze oxidation crust wrapped in natural layered teal patina that forms a soft matte texture after thousands of years of natural oxidation. Four mountain patterns are the signature decorative design of Chu bronze mirrors from this period, symbolizing stability, longevity and auspicious protection for households, combining practical cosmetic functionality with ancient blessing culture. This mirror boasts an impressive large diameter, perfectly preserved crisp ornamentation and untouched natural patina with no modern alterations. It serves as a key physical specimen for academic research on Warring States bronze casting technology and Chu regional folk decorative art. Collectors specializing in ancient bronzes across California, New York and London have long sought this type of museum-quality mirror for its dual artistic and historical value.

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