Mirror
ClassificationsFurnishings-Accessories-mirrors
Date206 BCE - 220 CE
Made AtChina, Asia
MediumBronze
Dimensions1/4 × 7 5/16 in. (0.6 × 18.6 cm)
Credit LineGift of Heather Sacre
Object number2000.65.7
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 design on this mirror is commonly referred to as “TLV”, derived from elements resembling those letters, but the original intention is based on a Chinese board game. The knob is set in a quatrefoil surrounded by an inscribed square field. This is surrounded by more of the same motifs as well as the four Directional Spirits. This style of mirror became one of the most popular types of mirrors in the Han dynasty.
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
1850-1870
late 20th Century
206 BCE - 220 CE