A RARE SILVER-INSET BRONZE ‘LION AND GRAPEVINE’ MIRROR, TANG DYNASTY

拍品描述

A RARE SILVER-INSET BRONZE ‘LION AND GRAPEVINE’ MIRROR, TANG DYNASTY Expert’s note The present mirror belongs to an exceptionally rare group of bronze mirrors decorated with silver sheet insets. Typically, most of the mirror including the central knop is covered in silver, which commonly results in dents or distortion to this vulnerable raised area (for two such examples, see the auction comparisons below). On the present lot, the bronze knop has instead been deliberately left exposed, encircled by two bands of silver sheet showcasing the finest incision work and the highest quality silverwork known from the period. The techniques employed—chasing, hammering, chiseling, and incising—are executed with such precision that even under high magnification, the artistry remains absolutely flawless. The meticulous attention to detail reflects the exceptional skill of Tang artisans, making this piece a true masterpiece of its era. We highly recommend enlarging the detailed high resolution photos for a closer look. China, 618-907. The bronze mirror is inlaid on the reverse with two finely chased and neatly incised circular silver sheets. At the center, a crouching beast-form loop is encircled by a band of four recumbent lions among fruiting grapevines. Beyond this lies a further register of birds nestled amid scrolling grape leaves, the foliage extending outward to touch the narrow rim above. Dimensions: Diameter 12.7 cm With an associated silk box. (2) Bronze mirrors began to be produced in China over 4,000 years ago, serving both as daily objects and as burial goods. This example, decorated with lions among grapevines, reflects the Tang dynasty’s (618–907) connections with foreign lands. Lion imagery was first introduced into China through Buddhism and became a favored motif on Tang mirrors, frequently paired with grapevine designs inspired by wine imports from Central Asia. During the Tang period, craftsmen introduced a remarkable innovation for elite patrons: the application of finely worked silver repoussé inlays onto the mirror backside, a technique unprecedented in earlier Chinese mirror production. This luxurious combination of bronze and silver elevated the mirror beyond utility into the realm of prestige object, emblematic of Tang cosmopolitanism. Auction result comparison: Type: Closely related Auction: Zacke Vienna, 17 October 2025, lot 376 Price: EUR 10,400 or approx. EUR 10,800 adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Expert remark: Compare the closely related form, manner of casting, decoration, motif, and size (12.4 cm). Auction result comparison: Type: Closely related Auction: Sotheby’s New York, 22 September 2021, lot 48 Price: USD 24,000 or approx. EUR 25,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Expert remark: Compare the closely related casting manner and modeling with silver-inset decoration and size (13 cm). Note the different form and motif.

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