Pair of phoenixes

Datelate 7th - 8th century

Label TextThese delicate phoenixes were cut from sheets of gold. Cut-outs like this were mounted on items such as mirrors and boxes with a lacquer-based mixture—a technique called pingtuo. Tang dynasty elites indulged in pingtuo luxuries to such an extent that an emperor issued a ban on them; the law was ineffective.

Object number33.622.2

Photo CreditPhoto: Elizabeth Mann

Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, Chinese Metalwork, July 12 - Nov. 27, 1988. Seattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, Timeless Grandeur: Art from China, Apr. 25, 2002 - June 12, 2005. Seattle, Washington, Seattle Asian Art Museum, Chinese Art: A Seattle Perspective, Dec. 22, 2007 - July 26, 2009. Seattle, Washington, Seattle Asian Art Museum, Boundless: Stories of Asian Art, Feb. 8, 2020 - ongoing.

Credit LineEugene Fuller Memorial Collection

Dimensions4 3/4 x 4 1/8 in. (12.07 x 10.48 cm)

MediumCut gold sheets with incised decoration