Mirror in the Brooklyn Museum, March 2010

Mirror

Metal mirrors with a smooth reflective surface and a decorated back were first fabricated in China's Bronze Age. This eight-lobed mirror is decorated in high relief with two lions pursuing two phoenix-like birds among floral scrolls, decoration inspired by luxury goods imported from Persia and western Asia over the Silk Road. Chinese artisans of the time favored motifs of animals and undulating grapevines, reflecting the popularity of grapevine, also imported over the Silk Road.

Medium: Bronze

Place Made: China

Dates: 618-906 C.E.

Dynasty: Tang Dynasty

Dimensions: diameter: 7 5/8 in. (19.4 cm)

Collections: Asian Art

Museum Location: This item is on view in Asian Galleries, The Arts of
China, 2nd Floor

Accession Number: 40.716

Credit Line: A. Augustus Healy Fund

Text from: www.brooklynmuseum.org/opencollection/objects/3455/Mirror