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Petite Tang Bronze Mirror, c. 900 AD

$680
£513.77
€588.63
CA$948.82
A$1,034.17
CHF 546.75
MX$12,449.40
NOK 6,939.68
SEK 6,362.26
DKK 4,397.08

About the Item

Cloaked in allover verdigris oxidization, this petite Chinese bronze mirror has the simple beauty and undeniable texture of an ancient object. Though an exact date is unknown, the mirror's raised inner ring and minimal decoration suggest it was cast during the late Tang dynasty (618-906). Like the jade bi disc, the circular form of early bronze mirrors were closely associated with the sun, the moon and the spiritual realm. The back of the small mirror is cast with concentric rings of subtle curvature, radiating outwards from the center like ripples in water. A perforated knob sits at the center of the rings, originally used to string a silk tassel or cord. Left flat and unadorned, the opposite side would have been highly polished and coated with mercury or silver for a bright, reflective surface. _ _ _ _ _ Before the broadened popularity of polished metal mirrors, many could only view their reflection by filling a basin with still water. With advancements in metalworking during the Warring States period (475 BC - 221 BC), cast bronze mirrors emerged in ancient China as daily tools reserved for the aristocratic class. Besides their functional purpose, early mirrors were closely associated with the sun and moon and therefore imbued with special cosmological and spiritual meaning. Objects of art made from valuable material, such mirrors were commonly bestowed as gifts or dowry offerings and passed down within families as cherished heirlooms. Additional Dimensions: Diameter of Mirror: 3.5" Base: 3"W x 2"D
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 4.5 in (11.43 cm)Width: 3.5 in (8.89 cm)Depth: 2 in (5.08 cm)
  • Style:
    Tang (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Bronze,Cast
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    c. 900 AD
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Minor fading.
  • Seller Location:
    Chicago, IL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: YUN0004H1stDibs: LU820048008802

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