Cruciform Mirror with Six Blossoms

亞字形纏枝六花鏡

960–1127

China, Northern Song dynasty

(960-1127)

Medium

bronze

Measurements

Overall: 0.7 x 16.5 cm (1/4 x 6 1/2 in.); Rim: 0.4 cm (3/16 in.)
Weight: 408 g (14.39 oz.)

Credit Line

Gift of Drs. Thomas and Martha Carter in Honor of Sherman E. Lee 1999.222

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Location

239 Chinese Ceramics and Metalwork

Did You Know?

Bronze mirrors were made in China from neolithic times until the Qing dynasty, when glass mirrors were brought to China from the West.

Description

This cross-shaped mirror has a simple wide frame and a small knob. A part of the floral pattern surrounding the knob has been compromised, likely due to poor casting or damage. The mirror is decorated with designs of flower branches and leaves, which encapsulate six flowers. A few of these branches protrude beyond the beaded circular border to touch the edge of the outer circle, adding a playful dynamism. Similar motifs can be found on silver objects and porcelain of this period.