Tang Mirror (Front and Back)

MIRROR WITH NEAR EASTERN-STYLE DECORATION (FRONT AND BACK)

Tang dynasty (618 – 907)
Inventory number: XLIX:I:E.34.

The central knob on this mirror is in the form of a bear, or perhaps a lion. There are six more of these beasts surrounding the knob. Next, there is a band containing different types of birds, including mandarin ducks. The outermost field contains cloud motifs. The mirror still retains much of its silver sheen.

The cosmological motifs of earlier mirrors give way to designs that are more decorative and narrative during the Tang dynasty. The decoration seen on this mirror is based on Near Eastern designs. The Silk Roads were at a golden age during the Tang dynasty. The Tang cooperated with the Sassanid dynasty in Persia to keep both ends of the trade networks relatively safe for travel, which encouraged trade. There were many stylistic exchanges between China and the Near East during this time.