Bronze mirror with four immortals

T'ang dynasty (A.D. 618--907)
Dimensions: 19.3 x 19.5 cm, Height of rim: 1.2 cm

This bronze mirror was cast in the shape of a water claptrap with four pointed lobes. It is unusual in that most bronze mirrors of this motif are cast with eight lobes. The semi-globular knob is decorated with flower petals and bordered by circular cloud patterns. Extending out from the base of the knob, there are four mountain patterns separated by four bird designs. Each of the four lobes of the mirror depicts an immortal beating a magical plant and flying among clouds, The border of the mirror is adorned with small bird and circular cloud designs.

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