Foliated Bronze Mirror with Paired Phoenixes and Mythical Animals, high Tang period, 7th to 8th century

Foliated Bronze Mirror with Paired Phoenixes and Mythical Animals, high Tang period, 7th to 8th century

• Image Number: K1A001904N000000000PAB
• Dynasty: Tang dynasty
• Category: Bronzes
• Function: Household appliance
• Material: Mineral/Metal/Bronze
• Description:
  Eight petal rhombus shaped mirror with animal shaped button. Around the button are two winged phoenix, galloping steeds and auspicious animals. There are curly grass and flower patterns between birds and animals. The outer area is slightly higher, decorated with butterfly and flower patterns. Phoenix dance, auspicious animals and horses are all popular decorative patterns in the prosperous Tang Dynasty. The auspicious beast on the back of this mirror has a lion’s strong body and flying mane, but the two horns on the head are different from the lion, or the legendary unicorn. A similar example was unearthed in a Tang tomb in Yichuan County, Henan Province.