Bronze octagonal lobed mirror Front

Depictions of beautiful women emerged in the Jin dynasties and flourished in the Tang dynasty. In the Song dynasty, depictions of women continued the traditions that were developed in the Tang and Five Dynasties periods, while adding a few innovations. The scope of subjects in particular expanded to an extent never before seen. While still depicting noblewomen and women from legends and mythology, poor and lower-class women gained more attention as subjects for fine art.