Foliated bronze mirror with a mythical scene on the moon, middle Tang dynasty, 8th-9th century

Foliated bronze mirror with a mythical scene on the moon, middle Tang dynasty, 8th-9th century

• Image Number: C1A000386N000000000PAB
• Dynasty: Tang dynasty
• Category: Bronzes
• Function: Household appliance
• Material: Mineral/Metal/Bronze
• Description:
  Eight petal rhombus shaped mirror, turtle shaped button. The main decorative area is the scene of the Moon Palace. The cinnamon tree, the medicinal rabbit and the toad are all very vivid. The slender Chang’e in the upper left holds a “auspicious” square sign and an orange fruit plate, flying in the air. There is a pool under the mirror button, and an inscription of “water” is on the pool. There is a cloud pattern on both sides, which adds more immortality. The outer area is slightly higher, decorated with clouds, butterflies and auspicious patterns. Bronze mirrors with moon palace pictures were widely seen in the Middle Tang Dynasty, which meant that bronze mirrors were as bright as the full moon, and that happiness and prosperity would come down to the destination. In the celestial picture of Feng Hui’s tomb of the Five Dynasties, there is a similar picture of the moon palace. The story of Xianjian Moon Palace is very popular, and it is also a part of folk belief.