Mirror with Birds, a Dragon, and a Rabbit Artist: Unknown

8th century

Asian Art

On view, 2nd floor, Asian Art

At the top of this mirror, a rabbit mixes the elixir of immortality beneath a cassia tree, a reference to the animal’s position as an attendant to Chang E, the goddess of long life who inhabited the moon. The dragon pictured in the waves at the bottom is another traditional East Asian symbol, while the two birds on either side with ribbons in their mouths reflect interactions with West Asia. This Sasanian motif reached China from Iran via trade on the fabled overland Silk Road, which linked China to the Mediterranean world.

Medium

High-tin Bronze

Dimensions

6 in. (15.2 cm)

Credit Line

Gift of Schuyler V.R. Cammann, B.A. 1935

Accession Number

1969.55.5

Geography

China

Culture

Chinese

Period

Tang dynasty (618–907 C.E.)

Classification

Tools and Equipment

Disclaimer

Note: This electronic record was created from historic documentation that does not necessarily reflect the Yale University Art Gallery’s complete or current knowledge about the object. Review and updating of records is ongoing.

Provenance
Schuyler Van Rensselaer Cammann (1912–1991), Portland, OR; given to the Yale University Art Gallery, New Haven, Conn., 1969
Object copyright
No Copyright - United States
Additional information

Object/Work type

mirrors

Technical metadata and APIs

IIIF

Open in Mirador

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