Artwork Page for Octafoil Mirror with Lunar Palace

Details / Information for Octafoil Mirror with Lunar Palace

Octafoil Mirror with Lunar Palace

月宮鏡

early 1100s–mid-1200s
(1115–1234)
Medium
bronze
Measurements
Diameter: 21.3 cm (8 3/8 in.); Overall: 0.9 cm (3/8 in.); Rim: 0.8 cm (5/16 in.)
Weight: 954 g (2.1 lbs.)
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
Not on view
?

Did You Know?

A rabbit and a toad, both creatures believed to live on the moon, can be seen in the center.

Description

Bronze mirrors typically have one polished and one decorated side and were used in tombs for ritual purpose or served as disks for reflection. This mirror depicts the imagined scene of the moon in Chinese mythology. Legend says that the goddess Chang E consumed the elixir of immortality that she stole from her husband, the archer Yi, and flew to the moon. Chang E’s palace, the Broad Cold Palace (Guanghan gong) on the left side of the composition, is juxtaposed with a tall pine tree symbolizing longevity.
A dark gray bronze mirror, weathered with green patina, features an eight-lobed rim and a central knob. Relief carvings depict a landscape scene. On our left, a tiled-roof building nestles within swirling clouds. A textured tree canopy arches across the upper right. Below, small figures stand near a bridge crossing stylized, wavy water. Intricate lines detail the architecture and undulating waves, while light wear is visible across the metal's textured surface.

Octafoil Mirror with Lunar Palace

early 1100s–mid-1200s

China, Jin dynasty (1115–1234)

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

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 fill out the appropriate request form linked below:

Update or Correct Artwork Information

Imagery or Rights for Non-Open-Access Artworks

Report a Website Issue

Further Questions About This Artwork