Inlay for a Mirror or Box: Lady and Flute

c. 900–1000
Overall: 4.7 x 8.4 cm (1 7/8 x 3 5/16 in.)
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Location: not on view

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Description

The p'ing-t'o technique of inlaying gold and silver foil on lacquer produced luxurious articles of elegance and fragility. These stray silver inlays were originally mounted on a mirror back or a cosmetic box whose lacquered surface has disintegrated. They combine auspicious symbols of Indian and Chinese origin--human-headed birds whose melodies filled the Buddhist paradise, and bird-riding deities who inhabited the skies of Taoist mythology. Like these imaginary beings, the lions were probably paired in a radial design; at least one has been lost.
Inlay for a Mirror or Box: Lady and Flute

Inlay for a Mirror or Box: Lady and Flute

c. 900–1000

China, Tang dynasty (618-907) - Song dynasty (960-1279)

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