Mirror

Place of OriginChina

DateTang Dynasty (618-907)

Dimensionsoverall: 5 7/8 in. (14.9 cm)

MediumBronze

ClassificationMetalwork

Credit LinePurchased with funds from the Libbey Endowment, Gift of Edward Drummond Libbey

Object number

1949.165

Not on View

DescriptionDesign in relief of animals, arabesque grape-vine and birds. Dark gray surface tone. Design in relief includes animals, arabesque grape-vine & birds. Dark gray surface tone.

Label TextMirrors of highly polished bronze were often placed in tombs, suspended over the body with the reflecting side down. Representing the sun, mirrors became symbols of the cosmos, while the animals, birds, and grapevines on their reverse sides were images of the natural world.