Lobed Circular Mirror with Decoration of Two Phoenixes and Two Lotus Plants
8th century
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.
Dimensions
Diam. 21.5 cm (8 3/8 in.)
Provenance
Edmund Lin (1928-2006; Professor, Harvard Medical School), Boston; by bequest to the Harvard Art Museum
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