Lotus-Petal-Shaped Misfortune-Avoiding Mirror with Raised Ox Patterns and a Nose-Shaped Knob

This mirror of the Song Dynasty is designed in the shape of a lotus petal. The back has a bulging rim. The upper part is designed with a nose-shaped knob and a raised ox pattern, which is matched with grass and tree designs and surrounded by a circle of sawtooth patterns. There is an inscription in four lines.

The development of bronze mirrors in the Song Dynasty proved to be another historical highlight in the history of Chinese ancient bronze mirrors after the Han and Tang Dynasties. A series of new styles like peach-shaped, furnace-shaped and moon-shaped, were created. They were thin and light with concise decorations. Mirrors with brand inscription also began to emerge.