Mirror with birds and beasts amid grape vines

7th–8th century

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 207

Fantastic animals amid grape vines are one of the most popular decorative themes on Tang mirrors. The motif of figures amid scrolling vines can be traced to Roman art; the theme of imaginary animals may also draw inspiration from Persian art.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

唐瑞獸葡萄紋銅鏡
Title: Mirror with birds and beasts amid grape vines
Period: Tang dynasty (618–907)
Date: 7th–8th century
Culture: China
Medium: Bronze
Dimensions: Diam. 6 3/4 in. (17.1 cm)
Classification: Mirrors
Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1922
Object Number: 22.141.2
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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