Double-tier Mirror

透雕紋鏡

300s BCE

China, Warring States period

(475–221 BCE)

Medium

bronze

Measurements

Diameter: 7.6 cm (3 in.); Overall: 0.8 cm (5/16 in.); Rim: 0.5 cm (3/16 in.)
Weight: 110 g (3.88 oz.)

Credit Line

Gift of Drs. Thomas and Martha Carter in Honor of Sherman E. Lee 1999.220

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Location

241A Arts of Ancient China

Did You Know?

This luxury object consists of two different layers: a reflective disc with a central knob on the back, and a ring with openwork serpent designs.

Description

The craft of mirror making prospered remarkably during the Warring States period, as bronzes increasingly served as luxury items for individuals. A variety of ornamentations appear on the backs of mirrors, some of which bear resemblance to those found in contemporary jades, lacquer wares, and textiles—all luxury items of the day. This tiny round mirror belongs to the rare double-cast type. It consists of two different layers: a reflective disc with a central knob at the back, and a ring with openwork designs of undulating serpents.