“Guitai” Bronze Mirror Decorated with Floral Medallions, early Tang period, 7th century

“Guitai” Bronze Mirror Decorated with Floral Medallions, early Tang period, 7th century

• Image Number: K1A002000N000000000PAB
• Dynasty: Tang dynasty
• Category: Bronzes
• Function: Household appliance
• Material: Mineral/Metal/Bronze
• Description:
  Round mirror, hemispherical button, round button seat, with a small bead pattern on the outside of the seat. The decorative pattern on the mirror back is divided into internal and external areas by high string patterns. The inner area is composed of six round flowers, including six honeysuckle flowers and six small flowers, surrounded by a blooming flower. The blooming honeysuckle spits out a week of small and dense stamens, adding a lush image. The flower pattern is filled in between the round flowers. The inscription in the outer area is a mirror chanting poem in four character rhyme: “When the moon is full on the laurel platform, the box is bright. The shadow shakes the wall of the hall, and the flowers are mixed with lotus. The jade is shinning, and the hard disk is connected. The remote side combines with the wall, and the emperor is lucky.” Curly grass is decorated on the inner side of the mirror edge. The Sui and Tang Dynasties were deeply influenced by the Western Region culture and Buddhism, and their decorative patterns were mainly shown in the popularity of the patterns of Baoxiang flower, honeysuckle, lotus, etc. The gorgeous and dazzling flower pattern of this mirror is a perfect example, showing the new stage of bronze mirror development.