Octofoil Bronze Mirror // Tang Dynasty, China Ca. 618-907 CE

Cast bronze, octofoil mirror in a stylized floral form having a relief geometric design possibly representing a Tao-it mask. The octofoil shape of this mirror is typical of the Tang Dynasty. Center suspension lugs, a chord would have been wound through this hole to serve as a handle. Beautiful blue-green patinas with areas of red oxides, intact and mounted on a matte black custom stand.

The Chinese magic mirror is an ancient art that can be traced back to the Chinese Han dynasty (206 BC – 24 AD). The mirrors were made out of solid bronze. The front is a shiny polished surface and could be used as a mirror, while the back has a design cast in the bronze. When bright sunlight or other bright light reflects onto the mirror, the mirror seems to become transparent. If that light is reflected from the mirror towards a wall, the pattern on the back of the mirror is then projected onto the wall.

They were used not only as functional artifacts, but also as sacred objects. The Chinese believed mirrors not only reflected light, but also had the ability to radiate it and thus illuminate the tomb for eternity. Often multiple mirrors were entombed close to the body of the deceased. They were also considered powerful talismans that would let you see into the spirit world.