Mirror Case with Lunar Scene (Top left & right) Mirror Case with Design of Boys at Play (Bottom left & right) 19th century, Qing dynasty (1644–1911) Silk and metallic-thread embroidery on silk gauze Dimensions: 17 x 17 in. (43.18 x 43.18 cm) & 16 ½ x 16 ½ in. (41.9 x 41.9 cm)
Tang Dynasty Bronze Taoist Mirror with Birds and Flowers
Bronze mirrors are of particular importance in Taoist practice (although the pre-Taoist shamanic context is obvious here) and are associated with the imagery of alchemical myths. During the Tang Dynasty, the Golden Age of Taoism, bronze mirrors that reveal the hidden essence of things were a must-have for any self-respecting practitioner.
A representative example of a Taoist Tang mirror from the Luoyang Museum (洛陽博物館). The combination of gold and silver in the decor is a hidden appeal to solar and lunar principles. Impressive diameter, 36.2 cm.
