A large parcel-gilt bronze mirror Late Ming dynasty

finely cast and gilded with a medallion enclosing mythical beasts and carp swimming amidst tumultuous foaming wavings, encircled at the rim by a broad raised band enclosing the bajixiang and reserved on a ring-matted ground, all centered by a circular pierced knop, the front face entirely plain

In terms of style and technique, the present mirror is characteristic of parcel-gilt wares from the studio of the celebrated late Ming dynasty craftsman Hu Wenming, of which a number of signed pieces, mainly censers and handwarmers, are still extant. No other mirror from this particular school is known.