Description

A round bronze mirror with concave rim and very high outer edge. A narrow-raised ring encloses the decorative field. A flat loop in the shape of an ingot is placed in the centre, with decoration in rounded relief surrounding it. The decoration consists of two Taoist deities, standing at either side of the loop. Above the loop is a tortoise and below is a basket of flowers flanked by a standing figure on the left side and an obscured form on the right. A furled-over lotus leaf is placed beneath the basket. Two larger baskets of flowers (or fruit) appear below the two groups of Taoist deities. The top is decorated with a long curving necked crane with cloud symbols on either side. These images are all Taoist emblems. The reversing side is in greenish brown color and the reflecting side is brown with green splotches.