Ca. 700 AD. Tang Dynasty. A circular bronze mirror with intricate relief depicting banded decoration including repeating birds, monkeys, vegetal motifs, geometric designs, and a small loop for suspension. The birds' feathers are picked out individually indicating the many hours of workmanship which must have been spent on making this piece. Dragons are a symbol of power, strength and good fortune in Chinese art. The Tang dynasty ruled most of China between AD 618 and 907, and this period is widely viewed as an era of progress and stability, during which many scientific and artistic advances were made. This beautiful mirror may have belonged to a noble lady who lived under the Tang. In order to confirm its authenticity, this piece has undergone X-Ray Fluorescence analysis by an independent Belgian Laboratory. The samples collected show the chemical composition to reflect the typical metal contents of the described period, whilst also showing no modern trace elements in the patina. Excellent condition.Size: L:160mm / W:160mm ; 790g; Provenance; Property of a Central London gallery, acquired from an established English collection; formerly acquired in Hong Kong, Hollywood Antique Center in the early 1990s.