Yunyan Temple Pagoda: Mirror with Seated Buddha

CHINA, Jiangsu, Suzhou; Song dynasty

This bronze mirror was recovered from the third story of Yunyan Temple Pagoda in 1956. At the center of the mirror, there is a Buddha flanked by two attendant Bodhisattvas. The Buddha has a high topknot with a nimbus and a mandorla behind. He wears a highly decorated robe that covers his feet as he sits on a lotus throne with the seed pod and seeds clearly visible. There is a Bodhisattva on either side of the throne, both of whom wear stoles, hold objects, and are making offerings to the Buddha.
The Bodhisattvas on the top sides of the mandorla have tall headdresses with Buddha images. At the bottom of the mirror, there are two children who kneel and make offerings.