Bronze mirrors from Warring States to Han dynasty @ Bonhams

A circular bronze TLV mirror. Han Dynasty. Photo Bonhams

Cast with a central loop surrounded by a square band with raised corner bosses dividing an eight-character inscription, the 'TLV' elements symmetrically arranged and separated by grass-like motifs within the scalloped border; with ferrous and malachite encrustation. 4 7/8in (12.5cm) diameter - Estimate: US$2,000 - 3,000

Two early bronze mirrors. Photo Bonhams

The first, Warring States-Western Han Period, cast with a narrow wedge-shaped edge and a band of dragon scrolls separated by four leaf forms raised against a whorl-patterned ground; the second, Eastern Han Dynasty, of flat form with scalloped border surrounding a band of four dragons alternating with four lotus petals radiating from the central boss, all on a whorl and scroll ground.; 7 1/4in (18.5cm) diameter each - Estimate: US$2,000 - 3,000

Property from the Mr & Mrs. Malcolm E. McPherson Collection of Asian Art

Three early bronze mirrors. Warring States to Han. Photo Bonhams

The first elegantly cast with three fierce serpents each chasing its slender split tail on a finely cast lozenge ground under a concave molded rim; the smaller second and third mirrors both designed with four 'shan' shapes in relief against a stem and leaf ground, all with some encrustation and patination. 5 3/4, 3 5/8 and 3 3/4in (14.6 x 9.2 x 9.6cm) - Estimate: US$2,000 - 3,000

Provenance: J. T. Tai and Co., Inc (the first)

Property from the Mr & Mrs. Malcolm E. McPherson Collection of Asian Art

Bonhams. Fine Asian Art, 21 Jun 2011, San Francisco www.bonhams.com