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Identification and Creation

Object Number
2010.439
Title
Lobed Circular Mirror with Decoration of Two Phoenixes and Two Lotus Plants
Classification
Mirrors
Work Type
mirror
Date
8th century
Places
Creation Place: East Asia, China
Period
Tang dynasty, 618-907
Culture
Chinese
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/315417

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Cast bronze
Dimensions
Diam. 21.5 cm (8 3/8 in.)

Provenance

Recorded Ownership History
Edmund Lin (1928-2006; Professor, Harvard Medical School), Boston; by bequest to the Harvard Art Museum

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Bequest of Edmund Chi Chien Lin
Accession Year
2010
Object Number
2010.439
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
Permissions

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Descriptions

Description
This eight-lobed, circular mirror has a narrow raised outer rim that is completely unembellished. This gives way to a wide inner decorative border that's slightly sunken and embellished with relief-decoration of discrete lotus buds, leaves, and blossoms within the center of each lobe. The main circular field of decoration is relatively wide. On either side of the hemispherical knob is a symmetrically disposed pair of phoenixes, each one with bows and tassels in its mouth, and clutching a lotus blossom in its claws. Between the two phoenixes, there is a cut lotus blossom stalk above (at the twelve-o'clock position) and a cut stalk of lotus with a large leaf on top and two lotus buds on either side below (at the six-o'clock position). There are localized areas of green and red patina on the reflecting side of the mirror, including pseudomorphs of fabric in the green patina.

Verification Level

This record was created from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator; it may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art at am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu