The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of March 28, 2024

Octafoil-shaped Mirror Featuring Ci Fei, the Dragon Slayer

Octafoil-shaped Mirror Featuring Ci Fei, the Dragon Slayer

900s–1300s
(1115-1234) or Korea, Goryeo dynasty (918-1392)
Diameter: 17.2 cm (6 3/4 in.); Overall: 1.1 cm (7/16 in.); Rim: 0.5 cm (3/16 in.)
Location: 236 Korean

Did You Know?

The mirror is currently thought to be a Chinese work dating to the Jin Dynasty (1115-1234). Recently published excavation reports, however, reveal that this particular type was exclusively unearthed from Korean tombs of the Goryeo period.

Description

The mythical hero Ci Fei and his victory during his travel through the Yangzi River is depicted on this eight-lobbed mirror. He raises his sword in order to attack sea monsters. On the top, a large inscription in seal script reads “Great and Resplendent is the Heaven.” The mirror is currently thought to be a Chinese work dating to the Jin Dynasty (1115-1234). Recently published excavation reports, however, reveal that this particular type was exclusively unearthed from Korean tombs of the Goryeo period. Some Korean scholars speculate that this Chinese epic was appropriated to celebrate the Goryeo ruling house’s heroic ancestry and this type of mirror was widely distributed as a token of power among Goryeo elite class members.
  • ?-1995
    Drs. Thomas and Martha Carter, Madison, WI, given to the Cleveland Museum of Art
    1995-
    The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH
  • Chou, Ju-hsi. Circles of reflection: the Carter collection of Chinese bronze mirrors. Cleveland, Ohio: Cleveland Museum of Art, 2000. Reproduced: cat. no. 80, p. 85; pp. 109, 124; repr. p. 85
    Goryeo Dynasty: Korea's Age of Enlightenment, 918-1392. San Francisco: Asian Art Museum, 2003.
    Choi, Eung-chon. “Craftsmen in Metal Arts in the Goryeo Dynasty [고려시대 金屬工藝의 匠人].” Misulsahak yeongu (2004): 171–192. www.dbpia.co.kr
    Kim, Sung-june. "The National Flag of the Sailing Ship inscribed on the Bronze Mirror in the Goryeo Period." Yeoksa wa gyeong'gye (2017): 245–281. www.dbpia.co.kr
    Goryeo: The Glory of Korea [대고려, 그 찬란한 도전]. Seoul: National Museum of Korea, 2018.
    McCormick, Sooa. “North of the Border: A preview of the Korean gallery's new display, coming in January." Cleveland Art: Cleveland Museum of Art Members Magazine vol. 58, no. 6 (November/December 2018): 16–17. Reproduced: P. 16; Mentioned: P. 16, 17.
  • Ink, Paper, and Brush - Korean Gallery 236 Rotation. The Cleveland Museum of Art (organizer) (July 24, 2019-January 26, 2020).
    Mountains and Rivers Beyond the DMZ – Korean Gallery 236 Rotation. The Cleveland Museum of Art (organizer) (January 21-July 21, 2019).
    Circles of Reflection: The Carter Collection of Chinese Bronze Mirrors. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (organizer) (September 17-November 26, 2000); China Institute Gallery, New York, NY (February 6-June 2, 2002); Elvehjem Museum of Art, Madison, WI (December 20, 2003-February 29, 2004).
  • {{cite web|title=Octafoil-shaped Mirror Featuring Ci Fei, the Dragon Slayer|url=false|author=|year=900s–1300s|access-date=28 March 2024|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1995.376