Eight-foiled Mirror with Flower and Phoenix Design

청동 쌍난·보화무늬 팔능 거울 [銅製雙鸞寶華文八稜形鏡]

1100s

Korea, Goryeo dynasty

(918–1392)

Medium

bronze

Measurements

Overall: 13.4 x 0.5 cm (5 1/4 x 3/16 in.)

Credit Line

Gift of John L. Severance 1921.660

You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.

Location

236 Korean

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

From ancient times, a mirror assumed various roles; a ritualistic tool, a diplomatic gift, and a luxury commodity. During the Goryeo dynasty (918-1392), which saw the great advancement of metallurgy, the royal court was the center of distributing sophisticated bronze artifacts. According to historical records, on the 7th day of the Lunar New Year, the king bestowed a bronze mirror inscribed with auspicious symbols upon each court official as part of a ceremony to celebrate the Day of Humans. This explains why a large quantity of bronze mirrors were excavated from elite tombs.