Bronze mirror with lions and grapevines, early to high Tang dynasty, 8th century-China Archive

Image Number: K1A000048N000000000PAB
Dynasty: Tang dynasty
Category: Bronzes
Function: Household appliance
Material: Mineral/Metal/Bronze
Description:
Round mirror, lion shaped button. The high relief pattern on the back of the mirror is divided into internal and external areas by high string patterns. There are seven lions in the inner area, either crouching, looking back, standing or rolling, with different postures. The standing male lion is accompanied by a female lion and a cub, presenting a detailed description of the life of the lions. The outer ring is surrounded by vines, with soft grape fruits and realistic grape leaves. There are six birds and eight Mercedes Benz beasts among the vines in the outer area. There are six kinds of birds and birds that inhabit the vines. The feathers of birds are delicately depicted and soft and natural. Curly grass around the edge of the mirror. The whole decoration shows the designer’s vivid description and love of nature, which is very interesting. A mirror that is exactly the same as it was unearthed in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, should have come from the same workshop.