Mirror with Lion and Grapevine Motif

In ancient China, there was an age-old association in the designs on the backs of mirrors with symbolic representations of the universe. In the center of this mirror, lion-like creatures race counterclockwise amid grapes and vine scrolls. They surround a large crouching monster in the center serving as the mirror’s boss. An outer field consists of birds, grapes, and vine leaves. The lion and grapevine pattern was a popular design on Tang dynasty mirrors. The introduction of this set of motifs in China was stimulated by foreign contact with the Near Eastern and Mediterranean world. The lion, in particular, is associated with the Manichean religion of Persia, which synthesized elements of Christianity and Buddhism with ancient Mediterranean beliefs in its Doctrine of Light overcoming the Spirits of Darkness.