AN INSCRIBED SILVERY BRONZE 'TLV' MIRROR, WESTERN HAN DYNASTY

AN INSCRIBED SILVERY BRONZE 'TLV' MIRROR, WESTERN HAN DYNASTY

China, 206 BC-8 AD. Of circular form, crisply cast with a central knob and quatrefoil within a square border, framed by eight nipples in the outer field which is cast in thread relief with T, L and V motifs as well as mythical animals and birds, all arranged in four quadrants, and encircled by a 28-character inscription within a hachured band and three sawtooth borders.

Provenance: New York trade. Acquired from a Upper West Side private estate.
Condition: Good condition, commensurate with age. Old wear and casting irregularities, signs of weathering and erosion, few small nicks, dents, and light scratches. The silvery bronze with a fine, naturally grown patina with malachite encrustations.

Weight: 427.8 g
Dimensions: Diameter 14.1 cm

Literature comparison:
Compare a closely related inscribed TLV mirror, 21 cm diameter, in the Hunan Museum.

Auction result comparison:
Type: Closely related
Auction: Christie's New York, 22 March 2013, lot 1139
Price: USD 21,250 or approx. EUR 26,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A bronze 'TLV' mirror, Western Han dynasty (206 BC-AD 8)
Expert remark: Compare the closely related form, manner of casting, and TLV motif. Note the size (20.6 cm).

Auction result comparison:
Type: Closely related
Auction: Christie's New York, 15 September 2011, lot 1124
Price: USD 60,000 or approx. EUR 75,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A silvery bronze 'TLV' circular mirror, Western Han dynasty (206 BC-AD 8)
Expert remark: Compare the closely related form, manner of casting, and TLV motif. Note the size (16.5 cm).