Medium: Bronze
Geograhical Locations:
Dates:618-906 C.E.
Dimensions: Diameter: 7 5/8 in. (19.4 cm)
Collections:
Museum Location: Asian Galleries, West, 2nd floor (China)
Exhibitions:
Accession Number: 40.716
Image: 40.716_PS4.jpg,
Catalogue Description: Accession Card: Bronze mirror, circular, with edge divided into eight (8) leafy parts. Knob in center through which there is now a short leather strap. Relief decoration on the mirror of phoenixes and lions with flowers. The border near the edge is raised and has scattered floral and butterfly motives. The edge itself is raised. The mirror is thick and has some green patination. (Gallery Chat Label, 2007): Metal mirrors with a smooth reflective surface and a decorated back were first fabricated in China's Bronze Age. This eight-lobed mirror is decorated in high relief with two lions pursuing two phoenix-like birds among floral scrolls, decoration inspired by luxury goods imported from Persia and western Asia over the Silk Road. Chinese artisans of the time favored motifs of animals and undulating grapevines, reflecting the popularity of grapevine, also imported over the Silk Road.