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May 17, 2018
May 17, 2018
Mirror
Mirror
AD 25–220
China, Eastern Han dynasty
(AD 25-220)
Bronze
Diameter: 13.1 cm (5 3/16 in.)
Gift of the John Huntington Art and Polytechnic Trust 1915.606
Location
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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. 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 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."
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