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Mirror, “Marriage type” (with lobed rim and paired design motifs)

Chinese

Artwork Details

Mirror, “Marriage type” (with lobed rim and paired design motifs)
7th century - 8th century
Chinese
bronze with silvery metal inscrustation
5/16 in. x 4 3/4 in. x 4 3/4 in. ( 0.8 cm x 12.1 cm x 12.1 cm )
Museum purchase for the James Marshall Plumer Memorial Collection
1961/2.62

Tags

Description

This mirror is known as a “marriage type.” The flowers on the outer rim all have paired leaves and blossoms—symbolizing the unity of husband and wife—and are intermingled with butterflies, which are associated with romantic love.
Maribeth Graybill, Senior Curator of Asian Art
Exhibited in "Flora and Fauna in Chinese Art," April 6, 2002 - December 1, 2002.

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