Bronze TLV mirror

Chinese, Western Han Dynasty

originally cast in two sections, back is cast mandala like form with a knob centring a quatrefoil within a square border of twelve nipples separating characters representing the zodiac, eight further nipples in the outer field that is cast in thread relief with T, L and V motifs as well as the The Four Spirit Animals, Daoist immortals and various animals and birds. All are arranged in four quadrants, and are encircled by an inscription narrow decorative borders and a band of further abstract lightning form geometric designs on the rim 22.5cm across

Provenance: Purchased from Frank Ormonde in London

Very worn in parts with age