TANG-LIAO DYNASTY (AD 618-1125)

Apsaras (tian ren) are celestial beings or angels associated with Buddhism and are depicted in flight or floating wearing garments and scarves that trail behind them. A related mirror of squared foliate shape with four apsaras in the corners and similar mountain peaks is illustrated in Catalogue of Special Exhibition of Bronze Mirrors in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, 1986, pp. 214-15, pl. 120.