Gold-grain inlaid gem hexagonal mirror with auspicious floral pattern, Tang dynasty, 8th century. Diameter 8.8 cm; weight 201 g. Sengoku Collection, Catalog 299 © 2026 Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Ancient Bronze Mirrors

This is a small hexagonal mirror with six ridges on its outer edge, hollowed out in between, creating a shape resembling six petals.

Thin gold plates are placed vertically to outline the pattern, then jewels are inlaid into the edges, and finally covered with gold granules.

Such inlaid mirrors, along with flat mirrors and mother-of-pearl mirrors, are collectively known as jeweled mirrors. These are magnificent and colorful mirrors that utilize special techniques and designs, reflecting a level of ornamentation and colorful, pictorial brilliance that cannot be expressed in simple cast bronze mirrors. They represent a pinnacle of metalwork during the prosperous Tang dynasty.