Page 84 - 2011 - The Frank Arts Collection, Chinese Bronzes

29. Bronze mirror

Beginning of the Tang dynasty, 7 century AD
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Diameter: 15 cm

Beautiful round bronze mirror, its back cast with three bands of motifs. The
mirror’s central knob is encircled by six frolicking mythological animals cast in high
relief and its middle band bears a long poem. The mirror’s outer band is decorated
with triangular motifs enclosing raised florettes.
The mirror has a nice silvery finish with green incrustations.

The poem inscribed on the mirror translates:

‘Perfectly round precious mirror,
Glistening bright when raised on its stand,
In it can be glimpsed dancing phoenixes,
And flowers blossoming in the radiant sun,
Near a pond it becomes like the moon,
Looking into it, the face’s beauty and charm appear.’

Provenance:
- Frank Arts Collection, Belgium.

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