In ancient China, mirrors were use not only as functional articles in daily life but as sacred objects filled wit a power of their own. The custom of placing mirrors in a tomb originated aroun the fourth century B.C., when they functioned as reflectors of the spirit world.
The Chinese believed that mirrors had the ability not only to reflect, but als to radiate light, and thus illuminate the tomb for eternity. Often more than on mirror was placed in the tomb, not with the other funerary objects, but close t the body of the deceased.
I characteristic Chinese fashion, both the geometric motifs and naturalistic form used to decorate this mirror have symbolic meaning. An ox is depicted in th center with an arching hunched back, small curved horns, and a bushy tail. The four prominent smiling creatures sculpted in high relief, probabl monkeys or tigers, surround the ox and refer to the four cardinal directions an the quadrants of the universe.  Thes animals have Zodiacal connotations relating to Han astronomical and cosmologica beliefs.  A series of birds o pheasants in alternating states of flight and rest are represented on the oute band.  A motif of grape bunches,
vines, and leaves intertwine throughout the back of the mirror. While mirrors allow us to see ourselves and examine our own physica forms, the beauty and expert craftsmanship of this bronze work might prove mor fascinating to inspect for even the vainest individual.