A RARE BRONZE BARBED-RIM 'XINIU GAZING AT THE MOON' BASIN Yuan DynastyA RARE BRONZE BARBED-RIM 'XINIU GAZING AT THE MOON' BASINYuan DynastyDeftly cast with deep curving sides rising to an everted barbed rim imitating mallow petals, the centre of the well with a medallion enclosing a xiniu gazing up at the moon, surrounded by clouds, the metal with a dark-brown patina. 40.5cm (16in) diam.Please note this Lot is to be sold at No Reserve. 本拍品不設底價元 犀牛望月葵口銅盤The mythical single-horned creature cast in the well of the present lot is known as a xiniu; see for example, a single-horned mythical animal gazing at a crescent moon, but formed as a bronze mirror stand, 14th/15th century, illustrated by M.Maucuer, Bronzes de la Chine imperiale des Song aux Qing, Paris, 2013, p.122.The design of 'a xiniu gazing at a moon' (犀牛望月) illustrates the myth that this mythical animal has the magical power of communicating with the heaven with their crescent-shaped horns. This decorative motif appeared first in the Song dynasty and remained popular throughout the following centuries on various materials including porcelains, textiles and metalworks etc. See for example, ceramic dishes with this design, Song dynasty, illustrated by J.Wirgin, Sung Ceramic Designs, Goteborg, 1970, pls.93 and 101.