“Suyue” bronze mirror with five animals and grapevine and 24-character inscription, Sui to early Tang dynasty, 7th century

“Suyue” bronze mirror with five animals and grapevine and 24-character inscription, Sui to early Tang dynasty, 7th century

• Image Number: C1A000350N000000000PAB
• Dynasty: Sui dynasty
• Category: Bronzes
• Function: Household appliance
• Material: Mineral/Metal/Bronze
• Description:
  Round mirror, hemispherical button, round button holder. The mirror back decoration is divided into internal and external areas by high triangular ridge. The five auspicious beasts in the inner area rotate left-handed, or stand, or gallop, look up, review, and have different shapes, and shuttle in the vine branches. There are twenty-four characters engraved in the outer area: “The moon is light and pure, with the quality of metaphysical essence. It is clear to learn from the water, and reflects the doubts about the clarity. It will remain firm forever, and it will shine on this soul.” The edge of the mirror is inclined and ribbed, decorated with triangular patterns.