The hand mirror with oval form, the reverse enamelled with double xi character (shuang xi) surrounded by the Eight Buddhist Emblems on a turquoise ground, all framed within a dark blue enamel border decorated with gilt floral scrolls. The double xi character, which means « Double Happiness », is a very popular design in China, especially for weddings. The Eight Buddhist Emblems came from the Tibetan Buddhist art and became very popular in China during the 13th century. These symbols are the wheel, the conch, the victory banner, the parasol, the lotus, the pair of golden fishes, the vase and the endless knot. They are considered as very auspicious symbols. 

Bibliography 

YANG Boda – Tributes from Guangdong to the Qing Court – n°50, p. 86 (un miroir similaire dans les collections de la Cité Interdite) 

Collection du Victoria & Albert Museum, Londres – n°FE.54-1970 (un miroir similaire dans les collections du Victoria & Albert Museum, Londres)