Mirror with Shan Pattern
Warring States period (475-221 BCE)
Bronze
Gift of Heather Sacre
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Images(3)

Mirror

ClassificationsFurnishings-Accessories-mirrors

Date475-221 BCE

Made AtChina, Asia

MediumBronze

Dimensions1/4 × 5 1/2 in. (0.6 × 14 cm)

Credit LineGift of Heather Sacre

Object number2000.65.5

DescriptionThis object is a bronze mirror from the Warring States period (475-221 BCE). 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.

Bronze mirrors date to approximately the beginning of the Zhou dynasties and were used in daily life as well as rituals. This mirror has a knob centered in a square field and surrounded by four angled mountain (shan) symbols. The design was pervasive throughout China, especially in the central Yangzi River basin and the Chu state.

On View

On view