Description
The bronze mirror is shaped in a diamond form, a popular form in the Tang dynasty. However, this particular piece is square diamond-shaped rather than the typical round diamond-shaped, making it relatively rare. The central round knob, used for threading a holding rope, is decorated with foreign lotus petal patterns, with a base featuring four-leaf cloud patterns. Surrounding the cloud patterns are four birds, each holding a floral branch in its mouth and flying amidst clouds. Each corner is adorned with a rugged mountain, aligning with the central protruding knob to symbolize the Five Great Mountains. The mountains at each corner are further embellished with three horizontal boundary lines, suggesting clouds hidden among them. Above the birds, there are four flying immortals with fluttering scarves, each holding a lucky flower or auspicious herb and soaring above the clouds. The mirror’s broad, plain edge is adorned with a continuous pattern of birds and clouds around the rim. The three horizontal lines beneath the cloud-covered mountains are surmised to symbolize the three realms of Buddhism (“Trilokya” in Sanskrit), which are considered to be the “realms of delusions” where sentient beings exist: the realms of desire, form, and formlessness, all within the cycle of births and deaths. Liberation from these three realms leads to nirvana, achieving Buddhahood. This might be why the three horizontal lines are particularly emphasized in mirrors featuring flying immortals.