TANG DYNASTY (618-907)

The decoration on this mirror is extremely rare. Apsaras (tianren), are celestial beings or angels associated with Buddhism and are usually depicted in flight wearing garments and scarves that trail behind them. According to Fang Jing Pei, Symbols and Rebuses in Chinese Art, Berkeley/Toronto, 2004, p. 14, when Buddhism was introduced to China from India, apsaras became known as tianren, as they wore scarves of five colors which blew in the wind. The crane is a symbol of longevity, and also represents high rank, and when shown in flight represents a wish for a rise in rank. The phoenix is also a symbol of longevity and may also represent prosperity and great blessings.