early 1900s
Bronze with incised Buddhist designs
Overall: 15.7 x 13 cm (6 3/16 x 5 1/8 in.)
Director's Contingent Fund 1918.531
Due to its origin as an important tool in religion and politics, mirrors are often mentioned in many Korean proverbs that warn certain behaviors.
Mirrors, along with swords and jade, were among the most important symbols of power. It is thought that mirrors held power through their ability to catch and reflect light. This rare trapezoid-shaped example is engraved with an image of the Avalokitesvara, Bodhisattva of Compassion and was used as a part of Buddhist rituals.
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