Mirror with gold grain and jewel inlay and floral pattern, Tang dynasty, 8th century. Diameter 5.8 cm; weight 83g. Sengoku Collection, Catalog 300 © 2026 Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Ancient Bronze Mirrors

This small mirror is thought to have been a burial offering rather than a practical item. The circular body is framed with a pattern created by vertically inlaid thin gold plates. The pattern is known as Hōsōge, a mythical flower stylized by combining various auspicious flowers such as peonies and lotuses. Inlaid mirrors, along with flat mirrors and mother-of-pearl mirrors, are collectively called 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. This piece represents a pinnacle of metalwork during the prosperous Tang dynasty.

This mirror is accompanied by a similarly decorated knife.