Mirror with Mythological Animal and Grape Pattern
Tang dynasty (618-907)
Bronze
Gift of Dr. …

Images(2)

Mirror

ClassificationsFurnishings-Accessories-mirrors

Date618-906 CE

Made AtChina, Asia

MediumBronze

Dimensions3/8 × 5 3/8 in. (1 × 13.7 cm)

Credit LineGift of Dr. Stephen R. Blair In Memory of Armand J. Labbe

Object number2005.34.1

DescriptionThis object is a bronze mirror from the Tang dynasty (618-907). Although it may be hard to imagine due to its current state of oxidation, the smooth reverse side of this object was once polished so finely that one could see their reflection in the bronze.

Incorporating animal imagery into objects was popular from the Six Dynasties period into the Sui dynasty and early Tang dynasty. The combination of Chinese mythological animals and grapes is an art style derived from both Chinese and foreign cultures. Grapes were originally foreign to China and are said to have been brought over by Zhang Qian who traveled the Silk Road between 138-126 BCE as an envoy of Emperor Wu of the Han dynasty. The prevalence of grapes in Tang art paralleled the appearance of Chinese vineyards.

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