A BRONZE MIRROR STAND MING DYNASTY

cast in the form of a recumbent xiniu, the head with crest and large curved horn turned and gazing upwards, the back set with a crescent-form mirror-support rising from behind billowing clouds, the bronze of a rich brown patina with traces of gilding

Collection of Mrs. Matilde Roya, Vienna, acquired in London in the 1970’s.

There is a crack and repairs around the neck and to one haunch. There are breaks around the base, two repaired with filler, two leaving gaps and one leaving a crack. The crescent moon support has also been reattached. There are traces of lacquer, signs of age-appropriate wear and some minor encrustation on the surface.
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.

Mirror stands such as the present lot were popular and made over a long period of time. Rose Kerr in Later Chinese Bronzes, London, 1990, cat. no. 87, illustrates a gilded example from the Salting Bequest in the Victoria & Albert Museum, which she dates to the Song / Yuan dynasty. Ming dynasty examples have sold in our Hong Kong rooms, such as the one from the Collection of Ulrich Hausmann, 8th October 2014, lot 3370, and in our London rooms, 9th November 2011, lot 391.