Mirror with Paired Felines
Unknown Artist
late 500s–600s
Medium
bronze
Dimensions
diam. 14.5 cm
Classification
Metalwork
Department
Chinese Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Dudley P. Allen Fund
Accession Number
1926.249
About this artwork
The two leopard-like creatures stalking each other around the knob of this mirror display a naturalistic animal style that emerged with the Sui and Tang unification of China. Their constrained energy contrasts markedly with the reserved image of a young woman described in the encircling poetic inscription: The maiden's chamber—bright and clear Her precious mirror—round It has doubled both her eyes As she danced with the lonely phoenix. Its light flows over her powdered face, painted brow Diffusi...