Mirror with Paired Felines

The two leopard-like creatures stalking each other around the knob of this mirror display a naturalistic animal style that emerged with the Sui and Tang unification of China. Their constrained energy contrasts markedly with the reserved image of a young woman described in the encircling poetic inscription: <br><br>The maiden's chamber—bright and clear <br>Her precious mirror—round <br>It has doubled both her eyes <br>As she danced with the lonely phoenix. <br>Its light flows over her powdered face, painted brow <br>Diffusing radiance upon her silken gauze <br>While with infinite delicacy <br>She demurely glances at herself. <br><br>Unlike the tightly integrated Han mirrors, examples of the Sui and Tang are typically inscribed with romantic verses that bear no relation to their accompanying designs.