The phoenix coronet and rosy cape (凤冠霞帔) were the crowning glory of a bride in her finest, worn as she was married in the grand style of the Song and Ming dynasties. This piece takes its design from the Ming Wanli dian cui gold dragon-and-phoenix coronet (点翠嵌珠石金龙凤冠) held in the Palace Museum. The dragon and phoenix face a peony in full bloom around a single pearl, the old pairing of husband and wife in harmony, a bright mirror to reflect a bride's adornment and a wish of gold and jade upon a good match. It comes in two forms, the handle mirror on its own or a matching comb and mirror gift set.
Key Features
- Drawn from the Ming Wanli dian cui gold dragon-and-phoenix coronet in the Palace Museum, the ceremonial crown of an empress and, in grand weddings, of a bride
- The dragon and phoenix (龙凤), the age-old emblem of husband and wife in loving harmony
- Peonies (牡丹) in full bloom, the flower of wealth and honour, a wish for a prosperous union
- A pearl at the heart, framed by golden relief raised in fine three-dimensional detail
- Carries the old blessing of the phoenix coronet and rosy cape (凤冠霞帔), a wish to grow old together in devotion (白头偷老)
Who This Is For
A gift for a bride, a wedding, an engagement or an anniversary, carrying the old blessing of a devoted union. Equally a considered gift for a mother, a daughter, or a dear friend, and a quiet companion for anyone drawn to the flowering of the seasons. Equally at home tucked into an evening bag or resting on a dressing table among one's most treasured things.
The Two Styles
- Handle Mirror: zinc alloy with bright gold relief, an imitation pearl centre and a high-definition glass mirror, approximately 8.5 × 16 cm including the handle, presented in a colour gift box approximately 12 × 18.5 × 2.1 cm
- Comb and Mirror Gift Set: the handle mirror paired with a matching comb carved from natural red sandalwood, its spine set with a gold-tone phoenix relief and an imitation pearl, comb approximately 12 × 5.5 cm, presented in a gift box with a carry bag approximately 19.5 × 19.5 × 3.5 cm
Materials & Details
- Handle mirror: zinc alloy body with bright gold electroplating, imitation pearl centre, high-definition glass mirror
- Comb (in the gift set): natural red sandalwood inlaid with a gold-tone metal phoenix relief and an imitation pearl
- Three-dimensional relief dragon-and-phoenix and peony design
- Presented in a hardcover gift box
- Natural wood varies in grain and tone from piece to piece
- Measurements taken by hand and may vary slightly
A Note on Authenticity
Lower-priced copies of these mirrors circulate widely in the market. They can resemble ours in a photograph, yet they differ in the materials used, the quality of the enamel and plating, and the care taken in their finishing. Every Tang Heritage mirror is a genuine article, sourced and finished to the standard we stand behind, and its quality shows in the hand. We ask that you purchase only from Tang Heritage or our authorised channels, and that you exercise caution with listings priced well below ours, as they are unlikely to be the same piece.
Care
Keep away from hard or sharp objects to protect the surface design. Wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth. The comb in the gift set is natural red sandalwood; keep it in a cool, dry place away from water and damp so the wood does not crack or warp. Avoid contact with perspiration, soap and other corrosive liquids to keep the metal from oxidising. The mirror ships with a protective film on its surface; peel it away before first use, it is not a scratch. Store in its box when not in use.
