Artwork Page for Mirror

Details / Information for Mirror

Mirror

25–220 CE

China, Eastern Han dynasty

(25–220 CE)
Medium
bronze
Measurements
Diameter: 13.1 cm (5 3/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of the John Huntington Art and Polytechnic Trust 1915.606
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print

Description

Two of the same animals of the Four Directions seen in the "TLV" mirror are cast in high relief and twisted in confrontation: the Dragon of the East with long snout, pointed horn, and scaly backbone meets the Tiger of the West with feline head and striped neck. An amphibious creature of unknown symbolism swims between their tails, perhaps depictions of Fuxi and Nüwa (?).The circle between their heads duplicates the form of a copper coin, minted during the Han dynasty, that was strung through its square perforation. The inscription on the coin reads, "Wu Zhu" (五銖), a five weight coin minted under Emperor Han Wudi who reigned from 141 to 87 BCE.


The encircling inscription reads: "Mr. Wang has made this mirror; it is true and without blemish. Its decoration is engraved with skilled craftsmanship. May your longevity be like metal and stone; may you have joy without end."
Ornate bands of repeating patterns radiate from a raised hemispherical knob on this bronze mirror, aged with a green and reddish-brown patina. The innermost band depicts two stylized animals flanking a small square character, followed by a wider ring of incised script. Multiple narrow outer bands display sawtooth and wavy line motifs. The metallic gray surface accentuates the intricate animal forms and geometric borders.

Mirror

25–220 CE

China, Eastern Han dynasty (25–220 CE)

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