Artwork Page for Mirror with Four Running Animals

Details / Information for Mirror with Four Running Animals

Mirror with Four Running Animals

瑞獸鏡

early 600s

China, Tang dynasty

(618–907)
Medium
bronze
Measurements
Diameter: 9.6 cm (3 3/4 in.); Overall: 0.9 cm (3/8 in.); Rim: 0.7 cm (1/4 in.)
Weight: 156 g (5.5 oz.)
Credit Line
Gift of Drs. Thomas and Martha Carter in Honor of Sherman E. Lee 1995.338
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print

Description

Inscription: I received a gift: the mirror of the King of Qin. For this, I would have paid willingly a thousand taels of silver. In no way would I use it to unveil your hidden desires. Verily, I only wish to lay bare my own heart.
A circular bronze mirror with a dark metallic patina features a smooth central boss. Radiating from the center, decorative bands encircle the boss: four four-legged animals in relief, running clockwise; a wide band of Chinese characters (see "Inscriptions"); and concentric borders with rope-like and sawtooth patterns. The dark surface shows a slight sheen and subtle texture variations throughout.

Mirror with Four Running Animals

early 600s

China, Tang dynasty (618–907)

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