Skip to Main Content

Mirror with the Image of Avalokitesvara

백동 관음보살 경상 (白銅觀音菩薩文鏡像)

early 1900s
(1392–1910)
bronze with incised Buddhist designs
Overall: 15.7 x 13 cm (6 3/16 x 5 1/8 in.)
Director's Contingent Fund 1918.531
Location: not on view
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.

Download, Print and Share

Did You Know?

Due to its origin as an important tool in religion and politics, mirrors are often mentioned in many Korean proverbs that warn certain behaviors.

Description

Mirrors, along with swords and jade, were among the most important symbols of power. It is thought that mirrors held power through their ability to catch and reflect light. This rare trapezoid-shaped example is engraved with an image of the Avalokitesvara, Bodhisattva of Compassion and was used as a part of Buddhist rituals.
Mirror with the Image of Avalokitesvara

Mirror with the Image of Avalokitesvara

early 1900s

Korea, Joseon dynasty (1392–1910)

See Also

Visually Similar Artworks

Contact us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@clevelandart.org.

To request more information about this object, study images, or bibliography, contact the Ingalls Library Reference Desk.

All images and data available through Open Access can be downloaded for free. For images not available through Open Access, a detail image, or any image with a color bar, request a digital file from Image Services.