An unusual Chinese "Beast and Grapes" bronze mirror 海兽葡萄纹铜镜 Tang dynasty 唐 The circular mirror is cast in high relief with a crouching lion knob encircled four other beasts with their young in different postures amidst grapes and vine scrolls. The outer band with lion, crane, cicada, rabbit, ducks, birds, a winged horse, and an immortal amidst vine scrolls, within a foliate scroll band encircling the rim. The bronze has a silvery patina with areas of malachite encrustation. (D: 4 1/2 in.) Qty: (1) Property from a private collection, Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Footnote: For a mirror of nearly identical pattern, see the mirror sold at Christie's New York, September 19, 2007, lot 219, where it is noted that is extremely unusual to find an immortal or "shaman", cicada (described as a bee) and a winged horse included among the border motifs. Condition report: In generally good overall condition, some areas of malachite encrustation particularly to the rim and the mirror side.