Antique Chinese Bronze Mirror | Tang Dynasty Style Relief Design
Description
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Historical Context & Origin
Region: China
Material: Cast bronze with natural patination
Period: Tang Dynasty style, likely later production inspired by Tang prototypes
Description
This finely cast Chinese bronze mirror displays an elegant sea creature motif, executed in the celebrated style of Tang Dynasty mirrors. The decorated reverse presents a lively circular composition of stylized marine creatures interwoven among flowing vegetal and wave-like motifs, arranged around a central suspension knob.
The relief decoration is framed by concentric borders featuring repeating floral and scrolling patterns, creating a dynamic and balanced design characteristic of Tang artistic influence. Mirrors of this type were prized both for functional use and symbolic meaning, often associated with prosperity, protection, and cosmic harmony.
The reverse shows natural oxidation and mineral accretions, producing a rich variegated surface with areas of green and brown patina. The polished face side, once reflective, now exhibits surface wear consistent with long-term historical use.
Bronze mirrors such as this served essential daily functions while also holding ceremonial and burial significance throughout imperial China.
Features
- Circular bronze mirror with raised decorative reverse
- Central suspension knob surrounded by sea creature motifs
- Concentric floral and scrolling border designs
- Attractive natural patina and mineral deposits
- Classic Tang Dynasty artistic inspiration
- Strong display presence for collectors and scholars
Cultural Significance
During the Tang period, bronze mirrors represented sophistication and cultural refinement and were often exchanged as gifts or included in burials as symbols of protection and continuity. Sea creature imagery evokes abundance, movement, and harmony within the natural and cosmic worlds, themes central to Tang visual culture.
Condition
Good antique condition with expected age-related surface wear, oxidation, and mineral deposits. Mirror face shows wear from historical use. No structural damage observed.
Dimensions (Approximate)
Diameter: 5 inches
Age (Approximate)
100–300 years old
Learn More
View a related example Chinese Bronze Mirror – The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Explore our curated Ancient Chinese Artifacts & Imperial Relics Collection
Description
Historical Context & Origin
Region: China
Material: Cast bronze with natural patination
Period: Tang Dynasty style, likely later production inspired by Tang prototypes
Description
This finely cast Chinese bronze mirror displays an elegant sea creature motif, executed in the celebrated style of Tang Dynasty mirrors. The decorated reverse presents a lively circular composition of stylized marine creatures interwoven among flowing vegetal and wave-like motifs, arranged around a central suspension knob.
The relief decoration is framed by concentric borders featuring repeating floral and scrolling patterns, creating a dynamic and balanced design characteristic of Tang artistic influence. Mirrors of this type were prized both for functional use and symbolic meaning, often associated with prosperity, protection, and cosmic harmony.
The reverse shows natural oxidation and mineral accretions, producing a rich variegated surface with areas of green and brown patina. The polished face side, once reflective, now exhibits surface wear consistent with long-term historical use.
Bronze mirrors such as this served essential daily functions while also holding ceremonial and burial significance throughout imperial China.
Features
- Circular bronze mirror with raised decorative reverse
- Central suspension knob surrounded by sea creature motifs
- Concentric floral and scrolling border designs
- Attractive natural patina and mineral deposits
- Classic Tang Dynasty artistic inspiration
- Strong display presence for collectors and scholars
Cultural Significance
During the Tang period, bronze mirrors represented sophistication and cultural refinement and were often exchanged as gifts or included in burials as symbols of protection and continuity. Sea creature imagery evokes abundance, movement, and harmony within the natural and cosmic worlds, themes central to Tang visual culture.
Condition
Good antique condition with expected age-related surface wear, oxidation, and mineral deposits. Mirror face shows wear from historical use. No structural damage observed.
Dimensions (Approximate)
Diameter: 5 inches
Age (Approximate)
100–300 years old
Learn More
View a related example Chinese Bronze Mirror – The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Explore our curated Ancient Chinese Artifacts & Imperial Relics Collection
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