Large Sacred Bronze Mirror // Tang Dynasty, China Ca. 618-907 CE

Large sacred bronze mirror, cast bronze disc with overall relief decoration. Displays alternating circular registers of animals and characters, center suspension lug. Areas of beautiful blue-green patina with areas of red oxides, mounted on a matte black custom stand.

The Chinese magic mirror is an ancient art that can be traced back to the Chinese Han dynasty (206 BC – 24 AD). These mirrors typically have one smooth, plain face that was highly polished to a reflective surface. The other side was frequently embellished with lively decorative motifs. Both Han and Tang mirrors are considered to be the most technically advanced. Cast entirely of bronze, a cord threaded through a hole in the central knob on the back made it easier to hold or carry. Large mirrors were often placed on a stand, and the smallest ones could be kept in the wide sleeve of a garment. When bright sunlight or other bright light reflects onto the mirror, the mirror seems to become transparent. If that light is reflected from the mirror towards a wall, the pattern on the back of the mirror is then projected onto the wall.

They were used not only as functional artifacts, but also as sacred objects. Mirrors not only reflect light, but were believed to radiate light and thus illuminate the tomb for eternity. Often multiple mirrors were entombed close to the body of the deceased. They were also considered powerful talismans that would let you see into the spirit world.