Foliated mirror with birds and floral scrolls

Historical period(s)
Early or mid-Tang dynasty, late 7th-early 8th century
Medium
Cast bronze and applied gold plaque with repoussé, chased, and ring-punched decoration
Dimensions
Diam x D: 22.1 x 1.7 cm (8 11/16 x 11/16 in)
Geography
China
Credit Line
Purchase — Charles Lang Freer Endowment
Collection
Freer Gallery of Art Collection
Accession Number
F1930.45
On View Location
Freer Gallery 16: Center of the World: China and the Silk Road
Classification(s)
Metalwork, Mirror
Type

Mirror

Keywords
China, Tang dynasty (618 - 907)
Provenance
Provenance research underway.
Label

This lobed mirror consists of a cast bronze body to which has been affixed sheet of gold that was previously worked with repouss&‌eacute; and incised figures on a ring-punched background. The foliated designs arranged symetrically around the central boss are auspicious symbols.

Published References
  • Osvald Siren. Kinas Konst Under Tre Artusenden. 2 vols., Stockholm, 1942-1943. vol. 1: pl. 90 a.
  • Hai wai i chen [Chinese Art in Overseas Collections]. Taipei, 1985. vol. 2: p. 214.
  • Chugoku bijutsu [Chinese Art in Western Collections]. 5 vols., Tokyo, 1972-1973. vol. 4: fig. 87.
  • Capolavori nei secoli: Enciclopedia di tutte i popoli in tutti i tempi. 12 vols., Milan, 1961 - 1964. vol. 3: p. 44.
  • Dr. John Alexander Pope, Thomas Lawton, Harold P. Stern. The Freer Gallery of Art. 2 vols., Washington and Tokyo, 1971-1972. cat. 27, vol. 1: p. 155.
  • Peter C. Swann. Art of China, Korea, and Japan. New York. p. 120, fig. 108.
  • Mario Bussagli. Chinese Painting. Cameo London and New York. p. 130, pl. 59.
Collection Area(s)
Chinese Art
Web Resources
Google Cultural Institute
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