Chinese Yuan Dynasty Bronze Xiniu Mirror Stand

Item Details

A Chinese Yuan dynasty (1271-1368) bronze recumbent xiniu (犀牛) mirror stand. The finely cast stand is in the shape of a recumbent bovine creature with a single horn and a gently extended hoof. It likely represents a xiniu, a semi-mythical representation of a rhinoceros. Two holes are present in the creature’s back which would have previously held a mirror. Unmarked, the stand is presented on a custom carved wooden base. Two paper labels are affixed to the inside of the piece. 1938.0190

Provenance
Collected in the late 19th and early 20th century and donated to a Private Midwestern Institution in 1938
Sold to enhance and preserve the Institution’s mission-relevant Collections

Condition

- crack in metal forming on side of figure; only stand included; small chip to foot of the wooden stand.

Dimensions

Item #

17COL077-232