A LOBED ‘DRAGON AMID CLOUDS’ BRONZE MIRROR, TANG DYNASTY

拍品描述

A LOBED ‘DRAGON AMID CLOUDS’ BRONZE MIRROR, TANG DYNASTY Expert’s note Bronze mirrors with the panlong, or coiled-dragon motif, rank among the most celebrated types of Tang-dynasty mirrors. Here, the dragon is rendered with exceptional power and dynamism, its vigorously twisting body adapting perfectly to the complex lobed outline of the mirror—a particularly accomplished and unusual integration of design and form. The remarkably crisp, almost razor-sharp casting further emphasizes the scales, limbs, and finely articulated clouds surrounding the creature. Combined with the extraordinary silvery-white patina, indicative of a high tin content, and the comparatively fine preservation of the reflective surface, these qualities distinguish the present mirror as an exceptional example of its type. China, 8th century. Of circular form with a raised eight-lobed rim, centered by a domed knop, around which a large three-clawed dragon is crisply cast in high relief, its sinuous, scaly body minutely detailed, coiling amid swirling clouds. The fierce head of the creature is meticulously rendered with bulging eyes and gaping jaws revealing sharp fangs beneath a pair of prominent curled horns. The reverse superbly polished. Dimensions: Diameter 22.6 cm Bronze mirrors had been produced in China for more than four millennia, serving both as objects of daily use and as burial goods. As noted by Yang Xin, during the Tang dynasty emperors presented mirrors to their ministers on the imperial birthday, and such ‘Birthday Mirrors’ were often decorated with coiled dragons. See Yang Xin et al., Art of the Dragon, Palace Museum, 1988, p. 61. The type of dragon depicted on the present mirror, distinguished by an elongated horned head, long neck, widely splayed legs, and coiling tail, is characteristic of the Tang dynasty and found on large mirrors that began to appear around the mid-eighth century. Particularly distinctive is the treatment of the head with the jaws opened wide, pursuing the sacred pearl represented here by the central knop. Literature comparison: Compare a near identical bronze lobed ‘dragon’ mirror, dated Tang dynasty, 22.8 cm diameter, in the Compton Verney Art Gallery, Warwickshire, reference number CVCSC 0375.A. Compare a closely related bronze lobed ‘dragon and clouds’ mirror, dated Tang dynasty, 16 cm diameter, in the Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Asian Art, accession number F1916.225. Compare a closely related bronze lobed ‘dragon and clouds’ mirror, dated Tang dynasty, in the Honolulu Museum of Art. Auction result comparison: Type: Closely related Auction: Sotheby’s Hong Kong, 30 November 2017, lot 557 Price: HKD 375,000 or approx. EUR 48,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Expert remark: Compare the closely related decoration, subject, and manner of casting, with similar silvery sheen and malachite patina. Auction result comparison: Type: Closely related Auction: Sotheby’s New York, 18 March 2014, lot 197 Price: USD 18,750 or approx. EUR 23,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Expert remark: Compare the closely related form, manner of casting, decoration, and motif.

图片