Luxury Items

The dragon on this mirror is a rich symbol for Chinese culture. It relates back to mythology, but also moments throughout Chinese history, such as when the dragon was a symbol for the Emperor of China as well as a potent, almost godlike power. Thus the dragon simultaneously commemorates powerful figures and the common Chinese people.

This brooch is an example of the intricate jewelry-making from the Southeast of England during the Anglo-Saxon period, a center of production. The gold filigree and garnets reflect the status of the owner, who would have worn this item during life and been buried with it.