It is difficult to pinpoint exactly when the first Chinese-made bronze mirrors were produced, but evidence points to shortly before the beginning of China’s Warring States Period in 475 BCE. In both the Warring States Period and particularly the Qin and Han dynasties the process for bronze mirror manufacture was formalized and regulated by imperial officers. Between the fall of the Han dynasty in 220 CE and the beginning of the Tang dynasty in 618 CE was a relative lapse in manufacture. Following the end of the Tang dynasty, the same decline in quality was seen, the result being that most of the most impressive Chinese bronze mirrors that exist today were made during either the Han or Tang dynasties. Although limited manufacture continued through to the mid-Ming or so, the focus on artistic execution and quality control all but nearly slipped away. Ancient Chinese Tang Dy hand painted courting scene on silvered bronze mirror. Style Tang is quite defined as in the clothing and simplistic representation of human faces. Painted mirrors are quite rare and there are not many to be found on the current market. Do not know exact age, but my educated guess is 600-800 AD. As shown in photos. Genuine original patina. ~23.5 cm diameter. Hanging hole passes through center knob and is fairly large. Exact weight unknown but it goes way over the 1000 grams of the scale limit. No returns unless GROSSLY not as described (i.e. received wrong/different item). Possible inaccuracies in dating and/or cultural attributions do not constitute "grossly not as described". Archaeological and anthropological interpretations and opinions may vary widely amongst collectors & scholars. The information presented herein represents the studied opinion of the author of this post who is neither an expert nor claims any affiliation with any academic or archaeological/anthropological institutions and is for informational purposes only. It is in no way meant to supercede or supplant any published, non-published or transient interpretations or any other information which my be currently widely accepted as fact. Use your own judgement and knowledge in analysis of the item(s) presented here for purchase. In addition, all surface/cosmetic/structural anomalies, inconsistencies of color and other non-uniform characteristics which may be present, are inherent qualities of antiques and are not considered as imperfections or "not as described", regardless of whether or not they can be detected in listing photos or have been mentioned in the listing text. Item is being sold AS-IS at time of shipping. Shipped by choice of three express services to US Domestic and Global Shipping Program to International. Shipping cost includes insurance. Will be packaged tightly & securely in a box within a box and plenty of padding protection. Yes! We combine multiple items for shipping discount where possible. Request total from seller at checkout from cart prior to payment to receive applicable combined shipping discount. Note: We will not cancel any orders whether paid or unpaid unless we cannot fulfill them for any unforeseen reason. Please be sure you want the item before purchasing or making an offer. Any offer made that we have accepted is binding and payment is expected for said item.
