A Small Silvery-bronze Circular 'chang'e And Rabbit' Mirror
TANG DYNASTY (AD 618-907)
This Tang Dynasty bronze mirror features the lunar deity Chang'e and her rabbit companion, central figures in Chinese mythology associated with the moon and immortality. The circular form and silvery bronze surface are characteristic of high quality mirrors from this period, which served both practical and decorative functions in elite households. The mirror's iconography reflects the Tang Dynasty's sophisticated engagement with celestial themes and Buddhist influenced artistic traditions that flourished during this era of cultural refinement.
- Spotted At
- Auction House · Christie's
Notes
LOT ESSAY The imagery depicted on this mirror represents the Moon Palace, which is occupied by a hare that pounds the Elixir of Immortality at the foot of the osmanthus tree, and is also inhabited by Chang'e who stole the elixir from her husband Hou Yi. The toad represents the embodiment of Chang'e. A similar bronze mirror is illustrated by Wang Shilun and Wang Mu in Zhejiang chutu tongjing (Bronze Mirrors Excavated from Zhejiang), Beijing 2006, black and white pl. 117. Another bronze mirror of similar design, but of slightly larger size (13.8 cm.), is in The Metropolitan Museum of Art, acc. no. 25.24 (https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/61405). See, also, the bronze mirror with similar design, but in reverse, from The Springfield Museum, Springfield, Massachusetts, sold at Christie’s New York, 22 March 2013, lot 1151.
🔨 Auction Lot
Important Chinese Art
March 26, 2026
Estimate: $6,000 – $8,000
Sold: $15,240
Lot 683
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