Beasts and grapes bronze mirror
Collection catalog number NMNS000162 is a mirror made of bronze that weighs 333 grams and measures 12.8 centimeters in length, 12.8 centimeters in width, and 1.3 centimeters in thickness. It was identified as a work from the Tang dynasty upon entering the collection of this museum. The mirror is round. On the back is depicted a beast known as suan ni with grapes in high relief, in addition to plants and flowers in between. The beasts and grapes bronze mirror is also known as the auspicious beasts and grapes mirror. This is the theme of most bronze mirrors unearthed from Tang dynasty sites. They are decorated with beasts or animals in crouching position, such as a lion or suan ni, with an animal-shaped button in the center. In both Shuowen Jiezi and Erya Shishou, it is written that suan ni appears similar to a cat and eats tigers and leopards. Guo Pu once commented that it is like a lion. Suan ni is also called the sea beast. This does not refer to a beast living in the sea, but to lions and other beasts that came from overseas, such as from the West. Just like grapes, which were introduced to Changan City at that time, this mirror reflects the dynamic exchanges and relationships during the Tang dynasty.
In general, the patterns on bronze mirrors are arranged in concentric circles from inside to outside, with protruding ring patterns to distinguish the decorative areas of the inner and outer rings. What is special about this beasts and grapes bronze mirror is that the images and patterns are not divided by area. Surrounding the outer circle of the central animal-shaped button are six crouching suan ni. Beyond that are bunches of grapes, with vines, branches, and leaves in between. There are no rings to separate the beast and grape patterns, which is a rare feature. In terms of the configuration and combination of patterns, the beasts are shown in a circle, with the head of one facing the inner circle and the head of another facing the outer circle. This continuous ring pattern makes it seems that they are playfully shuttling among the flowers, fruit, and vines. The abundant fruits and auspicious animals symbolize good harvest and good fortune.
