Imperial Birthday Mirror with Dancing Celestial Horses and Auspicious Birds
CultureChinese
Date729-756 C.E.
MediumSilvered bronze
DimensionsOverall: 9 5/16 inches (23.65 cm)
Credit LinePurchase: acquired through the generosity of the Hall Family Foundation Endowment for the Oriental Department
Object numberF87-6
On View
On viewGallery Location
- 224
Collections
DescriptionDecorated on reverse by a pair of celestial horses and birds with sprays of lotus leaves carried in their beaks. Octafoil shape, with design in relief.Gallery LabelTwo horses on either side of the central knot are shown prancing and tapping in time with the music, with their manes and tails flying high and their tassels fluttering in the air. Above, two birds carry sprays of lotus branches toward heaven. Inspirations from Persian art are seen in the flying manes of the horses and the lobed shape of the mirror. These dancing horses and auspicious birds were reportedly created to commemorate the birthday of Emperor Xuanzong (r. 712-756 C.E.), whose reign led to the height of the Tang dynasty. For his birthday celebration, the emperor bestowed metallic mirrors to the high court officials.
James Freeman;
Purchased from James Freeman by The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, MO, 1987.
Deborah Emont Scott, ed., The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art: A Handbook of the Collection, 7th ed. (Kansas City, MO: Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, 2008), 330, no. 145 (repro.)
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