What are the characteristics of Liao and Jin bronzes?

Liao-Jin bronze mirrors are a group of bronze mirrors with national and local characteristics, which were unknown in the past. With the development of archaeology, more and more data show that the bronze mirrors in Liao and Jin Dynasties occupy a place in the history of the development of ancient bronze mirrors in China. For example, there are many kinds of imitation Han mirrors and imitation Tang mirrors unearthed in the ruins and tombs of the ancient city of Liao Dynasty. In addition, the mirror in Liao Dynasty is also unique in art, such as the typical turtle-back mirror in Liao Dynasty, which uses Fiona Fang combination, layer-by-layer division and combination of straight and straight to form a unique four-in-one pattern, which is the most distinctive mirror in Liao Dynasty. The chrysanthemum mirror in Liao Dynasty created a flower-shaped mirror. The artistic effect of the combination of mirror and flower is realized. These two kinds of Liao mirrors seem to have absorbed the charm of flowers and plants in the Song Dynasty, which are delicate, gentle and elegant.

The theme ornamentation of bronze mirrors in the Jin Dynasty is very rich, which not only has the popular pattern style in the Central Plains, but also has the traditional content of the national craft, and the expression technique reflects the characteristics of the nation. In addition to the Tang mirror, especially the Pisces mirror in the Jin Dynasty, it generally gives people a heavy feeling because of its relief, which is a remarkable feature of the golden mirror. At the same time, the bronze mirrors of the Jin Dynasty, whether depicting Pisces, Shuanglong and cuttlefish or figures, rocks and trees, have rough lines. Accustomed to the softness and delicacy of the Song mirror, the bold and unconstrained decoration style of the Jin Dynasty is even more refreshing. In addition, an important feature of bronze mirrors in the Jin Dynasty is that official records and notes are engraved on the edges of bronze mirrors, which has become a special symbol to identify the popular age and use area of bronze mirrors.