Bronze Mirror with Auspicious Beast Motif

Unearthed in Huailiu village, Xihu town, Hanjiang district of Yangzhou city in 1978, this mirror has a round knob and four snubs on its back. Motifs of beasts such as elephants, wolfs, tigers, deer, etc. are the main embellishment, with botanic patterns appearing occasionally. In the outer area of the mirror back there is an inscription meaning “Wang made mirrors out of ingenious work. There are immortals living above in the Heaven who drink spring water and eat dates”. The rim of the mirror is defined with two circles, one composed of saw-tooth patterns while the other of cloud motifs, separated by parallel lines. Having been casted skillfully and decorated with various well-designed motifs, this piece is indeed worthy of the title as one of the best existing bronze mirrors.