Mirror
ClassificationsFurnishings-Accessories-mirrors
Date206 BCE - 220 CE
Made AtChina, Asia
MediumBronze
Dimensions1/8 × 2 7/8 in. (0.3 × 7.3 cm)
Credit LineGift of Ramona Ward
Object number2003.38.26
DescriptionThis object is a bronze mirror from the Han dynasty (206 BCE - 220 CE). Although it may be hard to imagine due to its current state of oxidation, the smooth reverse side of this object was once polished so finely that one could see their reflection in the bronze.The small size of this mirror may indicate that it was used as a fire starter to reflect the sun's rays and ignite tinder when traveling. Mirrors held a lot of symbolic meaning in China and might have been kept on one’s person to bring good fortune to the owner.
On View
On view
206 BCE - 220 CE
206 BCE - 9 CE
475-221 BCE
618-906 CE
618-906 CE
206 BCE - 220 CE
late 20th Century
