Octafoil Mirror with Two Immortals Crossing the Ocean

渡海二仙菱花鏡

mid-900s–late 1200s

China, Song dynasty

(960-1279)

Medium

bronze

Measurements

Diameter: 17.6 cm (6 15/16 in.); Overall: 1 cm (3/8 in.); Rim: 0.6 cm (1/4 in.)
Weight: 606 g (1.34 lbs.)

Credit Line

Gift of Drs. Thomas and Martha Carter in Honor of Sherman E. Lee 1995.378

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Location

Not on view

Description

This mirror in the shape of a flower represents two immortals crossing the ocean, surrounded by surging waves. The younger figure on the left wears two buns on his head; the elder one with a long beard is carrying a musical instrument, sheng. The scene may illustrate “The Eight Immortals Crossing the Ocean,” in which their supernatural power to walk on water is depicted. The two men here stand on their swords to travel on water. In Daoist and Buddhist thinking, swords are considered powerful, magical implements to exorcise demons and destroy evil spirits.