Artwork Page for Mirror with Four T's

Details / Information for Mirror with Four T's

Mirror with Four T's

四山鏡

300s BCE

China, Warring States period

(475–221 BCE)
Medium
bronze
Measurements
Diameter: 10.4 cm (4 1/8 in.); Rim: 0.5 cm (3/16 in.)
Weight: 124.5 g (4.39 oz.)
Credit Line
Gift of Drs. Thomas and Martha Carter in Honor of Sherman E. Lee 1995.281
Public Domain
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Location
241A Arts of Ancient China
Print
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Did You Know?

The prominent T's on this mirror represent four gates in Chinese mythology that relate to transformation.

Description

The symbolic significance of the ancient Chinese mirror lies in its circular form and reflective quality that make it resemble the sun and the moon. "By the light of the sun, the world is made bright," so said a mirrorsmith. When the mirror was taken with its owner for use in the afterlife, it reflected the soul and brought eternal brightness to the next world.
A dark-polished bronze mirror features a central square frame enclosing a small knob. Four large, angular T-shaped forms radiate symmetrically toward a thick, raised circular rim, dividing the surface into quadrants. Dense, swirling relief patterns and heart-shaped motifs create a fractured, textured background. The glint of light off the design highlights sharp edges and intricate lines, contrasting with the smooth, dark patches of the bronze surface.

Mirror with Four T's

300s BCE

China, Warring States period (475–221 BCE)

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