Bronze square mirror with grapes design

618

906

9.3

9.0

0.9

HKU.B.1957.0195

This is a mirror with lion and grape design made in the Tang Dynasty. On the decorative side of the mirror, clusters of grape, leaves, butterflies and five lions are surrounded by the outer section with similar objects but with birds and dragonflies instead of lions. Sections are separated by double raised bands. More to note, the knob is in the form of a crouching lion, along with square and grape leaves design, it should be made in the early half of eighth century.

In the outer section, three gestures of birds are depicted: birds in flight, pecking at grapes and resting on branches of trees. The detailed appearance of birds indicates people at that time have strong interest in nature. Decorations on mirrors could also be used as pictorial representations of legend. For instances, lion could be an auspicious animal derived from the Mediterranean area and the Middle East to China via the Silk Road.

Despite green stains on both reflective and reverse sides of the mirror due to loss of protective layer, the craftsmanship is rather delicate. The facial features of the lions are clear with small details such as their noses reaching high. Body features like hair on their tails are also definite. The delicate design and thickness of the mirror indicate the middle of eighth century was an age of luxury and affluence. Mirrors in this era are thicker than at any previous time, it is assumed that the prosperity of the age made materials abundant.