A SILVERY BRONZE OCTALOBED MIRROR

TANG DYNASTY (618-907)

Details

A SILVERY BRONZE OCTALOBED MIRROR
TANG DYNASTY (618-907)
The central knob surrounded by four mandarin ducks, two in flight and two standing on flower stems, all with ribbon-tied lozenges trailing from their beaks, below alternating insects and flower sprigs within the lobes of the rim
7 3/8 in. (18.8 cm.) across, box

Provenance

Acquired in Hong Kong, 1991.

Exhibited

Metal, Wood, Water, Fire and Earth, Hong Kong Museum of Art, 2002-2006.

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Lot Essay

This mirror would have been an appropriate wedding gift, as mirrors were part of a bride's trousseau, and mandarin ducks are a symbol of conjugal bliss. The combination of mandarin ducks and lotus represents a wish for a couple being paired for life. The lozenge is an auspicious symbol, and the knotted shou cords tied to them symbolize the intimate relationship between a husband and wife. A pair of magpies suspending similar cord-tied lozenges are on a Tang lobed mirror illustrated in Bronze Mirrors from the Shanghai Museum, Shanghai, 2005, no. 76. The shape, type of decoration, style of casting, and satiny silver patina of this mirror are typical of Tang mirrors of 8th century date.

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