Christie’s will present Luminous Perfection: Fine Chinese Mirrors from the Robert H. Ellsworth Collection, oMarch 22 in New York.
Bronze Circular Mirror With Deities, Beasts And Inscription Sui dynasty (581-618). Estimate: $40,000-60,000. Photo: Christie’s Images Ltd 2012
Prominent dealer, collector, and author Robert H. Ellsworth is a legendary figure in the field of Asian art. He began to collect Chinese bronze mirrors more than sixty years ago when there were relatively few references available to him. Regardless, Ellsworth was able to amass a superb collection of rare and important mirrors that span more than 2,000 years from the Warring States period (475-221 BC) through the Ming dynasty (1368-1644). Comprising 70 lots, the sale is expected to realize in excess of $1.2 million and will be led by a magnificent and exceptionally rare silvery bronze octalobed mirror with cranes from the Tang dynasty (618-907) (estimate: $100,000-150,000).
Fashioned from a high tin-content bronze to produce a bright, silvery patina, these mirrors often bear exquisitely cast designs while the reverse side is polished to a reflective surface. Unlike their European counterparts, the Chinese mirror features a central perforated knob through which a cord would be strung for handling purposes. The designs range from abstract, geometric patterns to elaborate figural scenes, and often incorporate poetic inscriptions that refer to the moon, alluding to the mirrors’ luminous nature.
Auction: Luminous Perfection: Fine Chinese Mirrors from the Robert H. Ellsworth Collection March 22 at 2 pm
Viewing: Christie’s Rockefeller Galleries March 16-22 behind them.