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

拍品描述

Dimensions：Diameter 21.3cm (8.39 in), Weight 1146g, 4th to 3rd Century B.C.Condition & Provenance：The bronze mirror is fully intact with no cracks, perforations or restorations. The wide rim maintains neat uniform roundness, the reflective front surface stays smooth, only bearing faint minor scratches left by ancient daily use, free of modern mechanical polishing or acid-treated artificial patina. The relief ornamentation on reverse is deep and three-dimensional, the delicate swirling cloud ground patterns and four mountain-shaped main motifs retain crisp full lines without heavy worn blurring, the central bridge knob is intact and firmly attached. The bronze matrix is thick and dense, covered with naturally mellow teal ancient bronze patina formed by thousands of years of natural oxidation, with solid layered rust and no synthetic chemical artificial rust added later. Provenance: Private collection of a senior ancient bronze collector based in Los Angeles, California, USA. Acquired from a Paris antique art dealership in 1995, preserved within one family for 31 years. It was only displayed at a private special exhibition of ancient Asian bronzes in Los Angeles, California, and has never been consigned to any public auction.Description：This cosmetic bronze mirror decorated with four mountain patterns is a representative Chu-style bronze artwork of the Warring States Period, categorized as high-grade large-size bronze mirror of this era. Intact surviving specimens of identical size with fully clear ornamentation are extremely rare in today’s antique market. The mirror was integrally cast from high-tin bronze via traditional sectional mold casting craft, delivering a heavy, substantial body. A double-hole bridge knob sits right at the center of the reverse side. Continuous fine swirling cloud vortex patterns serve as the background ground, four sharply angular mountain emblems are symmetrically arranged around the knob, circular dot and curling vortex auxiliary patterns fill the blank spaces between mountain motifs. The decorative layout is well-proportioned with distinct relief depth, fully demonstrating the superb mirror casting craftsmanship of Chu region during Warring States Period. The front reflective surface was finely polished by ancient techniques, retaining original bronze oxidation crust. Interlaced dark and light teal ancient patina evenly coats the entire mirror body, creating a soft matte texture. Four mountain patterns act as the signature decorative design of Chu bronze mirrors from this period, mountain motifs symbolize stable mountains, longevity and blessed fortune. The piece combines practical daily cosmetic function with ancient cultural meaning of praying for good luck. Boasting large vessel size, complete three-dimensional ornamentation and untouched natural original patina, this mirror serves as a core physical specimen for academic research on Warring States bronze mold casting technology, Chu regional decorative aesthetics and pre-Qin folk customs. It has long been highly sought after by veteran bronze collectors across California, New York and London, owning top-tier archaeological research value and high-end display collection value simultaneously.

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