Bronze mirror, China, Tang dynasty, ca. 650-800. Cast bronze with gold leaf. Height: 18.5 cm. Purchased with the assistance of The Art Fund, the Vallentin Bequest, Sir Percival David and the Universities China Committee. M.505-1936. © V&A Images

Mirrors in China were associated with Daoist mysticism as well as being a functional object in the house. The small figures of animals and birds cut out on the gold leaf represent the Daoist belief of a paradise inhabited by human beings and animals who never grow old. Most ancient Chinese mirrors are made of bronze and it is very rare to find one decorated with gold leaf.