Mirror Inlaid with Mother-of-pearl and Patterns of Flowers, Birds and Figures

Made in the Tang Dynasty, Mirror Inlaid with Mother-of-pearl and Patterns of Flowers, Birds and Figures represents the highest level of ancient bronze mirror technology. The mirror is round. Back center sees a spherical knob. Between the knob and narrow outer edge, a refined pattern of mother-of-pearl inlaying is embedded, in which under bright moonlight, two old men sit under the tree and drink wine, surrounded by birds, dancing cranes, lying cat, humid maids and a variety of rocks, flowers and grass. The whole design features refined decoration, superb skills and clear-cut faces and clothes of figures. This artwork looks like a painting.

Qianqiu Festival of the Tang Dynasty and bronze mirror

As the fifth day of lunar August was birthday of Emperor Xuan of the Tang Dynasty, this day was designated as “Qianqiu Festival” in the Tang Dynasty. “Chiaki Festival” was also known as “Qianqiu Jinjian Festival” (“Jian” means mirror). On this day, the ministers not only offered birthday celebration wine, but also made wonderful bronze mirrors to celebrate or present each other as birthday gifts. Meanwhile, Emperor Xuan of the Tang Dynasty rewarded ministers with luxurious bronze mirrors.

Copper Mirror

In ancient China, bronze mirror had close tie with everyday life, which was am indispensable tool in daily life. It is generally well-made, with beautiful shape, gorgeous pattern and rich inscriptions, which is a refifi ned craftwork. Bronze mirror firstly appeared in the Yin and Shang Dynasties. After Qin and Han Dynasties, bronze mirrors plated with gold and silver, wrapped with gold and silver on back, inlaid with gold and silver and made with other processes successively presented themselves. In the Sui and Tang Dynasties, bronze mirrors ushered in the zenith. At that time, round, square, handled bronze mirrors, bronze mirrors inlaid with mother-of-pearl, and bronze mirrors showing a variety of decorative patterns sprang up like mushrooms. In the late Ming Dynasty, due to the gradual rise of the glass mirror, bronze mirrors began to be less used.

Mother-of-pearl inlaying

Mother-of-pearl inlaying is a kind of traditional manual process, which refers to embedding snail shell or shell as patterns and designs on the surface lacquerware, hardwood furniture, mirror or other carving artifacts. These patterns and designs can reflect the natural color and luster, and show threedimensional effects.

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