HAN DYNASTY (206 BC - AD 220) AND TANG DYNASTY (AD 618 - 907)

Name: FIVE SMALL ARCHAIC BRONZE MIRRORS
Brand: HAN DYNASTY (206 BC - AD 220) AND TANG DYNASTY (AD 618 - 907)
Price: 1500.00 USD
Availability: SoldOut

Price Realised USD 1,875

Estimate

USD 800 - USD 1,200

Loading details

Try our

Cost calculator

FIVE SMALL ARCHAIC BRONZE MIRRORS

HAN DYNASTY (206 BC - AD 220) AND TANG DYNASTY (AD 618 - 907)

Price Realised USD 1,875

The group comprises two Han dynasty mirrors of flat circular form, one with an inscription of characters in relief encircling the knob, and other cast thinly and plain; and three Tang dynasty mirrors including a star-shaped mirror cast with birds and clouds within the octagonal scalloped rim, a circular mirror cast with scrolling vine in Sassanian style, and a heavier circular mirror cast in relief with birds and beasts amidst scrolling grapevine.
The largest, 3 3/4 in. (9.5 cm.) diam.

Dr. S. Marsh Tenney (1922-2000), acquired prior to 1949 and thence by descent to the present owner.

Conditions of Sale
FAQs
This lot is offered by Christie's Inc

Brought to you by

A Christie's specialist may contact you to discuss this lot or to notify you if the condition changes prior to the sale.

View condition report

Lot Essay

Dr. S. Marsh Tenney (1922-2000) was an accomplished physician, research scientist and educator who reorganized and revitalized Dartmouth Medical School. His fascination with China began in his youth, as his mother owned a collection of “treasures from the Orient” that his grandfather, Stephen Marsh, Iowa's state attorney, received when he defended pro bono Chinese immigrants, who at the time faced discrimination and harassment. At Dartmouth Dr. Tenney furthered his interest and was the only student in the Introductory Chinese class. When it came time to fulfill his military obligations, Dr. Tenney was posted to China and served as the chief medical officer for the Navy from 1947-1949. Joined in Shanghai by his young wife Carolyn, who worked as a nurse in a clinic, Dr. Tenney continued to study Chinese, as well as calligraphy.