On View
Not on viewObject number2010.37
Mirror
Artist
Chinese, Unknown
(Chinese)
Date255 BC - 205 BC
Mediumbronze
DimensionsOverall: 5 × 5 × 1/4 in. (12.7 × 12.7 × 0.6 cm)
Credit LineGift of Virginia Todd Hessler
Exhibition HistoryRound and Round, Ethel Denton Groos Gallery, November 4, 2017 - March 4, 2018Label TextIn ancient China, the polished side of a mirror was used to show a reflection, just like today. However, the other side carried symbols that could have spiritual or ritual significance.
A mirror decorated with circles, squares, and small domes representing Heaven, Earth, and stars put some of the power of the universe in the user’s hand. The round shape embodied positive domestic qualities: perfection, good fortune, reunion, and blissful marriage. The reflective property prompted superstitions about the power to repel misfortune and evil spirits, which popularized the mirror’s presence in burial rituals.
These examples span three dynasties, though
bronze mirrors were in use much longer—from about 2,000 BCE until 1300-1800 CE, when glass mirrors introduced by European traders became increasingly widespread.
