4 Chinese Bronze Mirrors, Han/Ming Dynasty

A set of four Chinese bronze mirrors dating from the Han to Ming dynasties. Two large, matching mirrors depict two cranes flanking a temple with two figures in the center accompanied by two attending figures. Other symbols such as lucky coins, censer, etc. are included. A small, round mirror has a star and magical symbols. A square mirror has Chinese calligraphy in its center with script along its right side.

Dimensions are: Large circular mirror: 3/8 inch deep X 4 1/8 inches diameter; 1 cm deep X 10.5 cm diameter. Magical symbols mirror: 1/4 inch deep X 3 1/8 inches diameter; 7 mm deep X 8 cm diameter. Square mirror: 1/4 inch deep X 3 1/4 inches square; 7mm deep X 8.3 cm square. All measurements are approximate.

Condition: Patina and age wear on all mirrors. Two larger mirrors have extensive wear to imagery.

Provenance: From the old collection of Mr. William Wu, San Francisco, USA. William Wu (1939-2007) was born in Shanghai and moved to Hong Kong with his family when he was young. In 1957, he was admitted to the Department of Philosophy at Princeton University. Because of his interest in history, in 1979 he received a doctorate in art history from Princeton University focusing on the Chinese artist Gong Xian. After graduation, he was successively employed as a professor of art history at Dartmouth, Oberlin, and other colleges. He later settled in San Francisco, California, where he presided over the Chinese Cultural Center, held regular cultural exhibitions, and devoted himself to introducing Chinese culture and artists to Western audiences. During the 1980s, he traveled between San Francisco and Shanghai and became an important bridge for cultural and artistic exchanges. Professor William Wu and the famous movie star Jet Li are distant relatives, and he was a great help in the early years of Jet Li's career development. Mr. Wu maintained contact with Jet Li during his life.