A BRONZE 'LION AND GRAPEVINE' MIRROR TANG DYNASTY

of circular shape, cast to the recessed central well with a lion knop encircled by six smaller recumbent lions and grapevines, enclosed by a band of birds alternating with clusters of grapes, all between a ridged border and a further band of detached florets; together with: another bronze 'lion and grapevine' bronze mirror, Tang dynasty, and an unusual bronze 'boys at play' bronze mirror, Song / Jin dynasty (3)

 

 

bronze 'lion and grapevine' mirror and bronze  'boys at play' mirror: On loan to the Brooklyn Museum, New York (1967-2009) and (1968-2009).
silvered bronze 'lion and grapevine' mirror: On loan to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (1967-2009).

The mirror has some very light green and malachite encrustation which has been polished down in the past and which covers the decorated side. It has one small chip/casting flaw (ca. 1/8 in.) and another shallow chip/casting flaw (ca. 1/4 in.) to the rim of the reflective side. There is one chip/casting flaw (ca. 1/4 in.) to the rim of the decorated side. The reflective side has some encrustation to the sides and at the edges which have been polished down in the past. The small 'lion and grapevine' bronze mirror is in overall good condition if a bit dirty. The small 'boys' bronze mirror is in overall good condition if a bit dirty.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.