The Tang Dynasty or the Tang Empire was an imperial dynasty of China that ruled from 618 to 907, with an interregnum between 690 and 705. It was preceded by the Sui dynasty and followed by the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period in Chinese history. Historians generally regard the Tang as a high point in Chinese civilization, and a golden age of cosmopolitan culture. Tang territory, acquired through the military campaigns of its early rulers, rivaled that of the Han dynasty. The Tang capital at Chang’an (present-day Xi’an) was the most populous city in the world in its day.
Many notable innovations occurred under the Tang, including the development of woodblock printing. Buddhism became a major influence in Chinese culture, with native Chinese sects gaining prominence. However, in the 840s the Emperor Wuzong of Tang enacted policies to persecute Buddhism, which subsequently declined in influence. Although the dynasty and central government had gone into decline by the 9th century, art and culture continued to flourish. The weakened central government largely withdrew from managing the economy, but the country’s mercantile affairs stayed intact and commercial trade continued to thrive regardless. Reference: Wikipedia
Tang Dynasty objects with butterfly designs are extremely rare, however, occasionally they turn up at auctions such as Christie’s and Sotheby’s. Below are some examples of these objects.
A FINE AND RARE PARCEL GILT-COPPER LOBED POURING BOWL, YI TANG DYNASTY (618-907) The vessel is formed with four lobed sides in imitation of flower petals, with a shallow spout to one edge. It is incised to the interior with a delicate floral spray to each lobe, all encircling a coiled makara chasing a flaming pearl to the centre. The exterior is decorated with alternating butterflies and floral sprays. The decoration is highlighted in gilt. 8 7/8 in. (22.6 cm.) wide
Sold for GBP 118,750 at Christie’s in 2017
A SILVERED-BRONZE MIRROR AND TWO BRONZE DRAGON-HEAD BELTHOOKS THE MIRROR: TANG DYNASTY THE BELTHOOKS: WARRING STATES PERIOD the mirror cast with four mythical beasts and alternating strapwork and butterflies on the lobed border, the belthooks of characteristic form inlaid in gold with archaic motifs 9.5 and 9.8 cm, 3 3/4 and 3 7/8 in.
Sold for 43,750 HKD at Sotheby’s in 2019