Description:

East Asia, China, Han Dynasty, ca. 206 BCE to 220 CE. A cast leaded-bronze mirror of discoid form with a central suspension loop protruding from the center. Surrounding the loop are 8 raised nubbins surrounded by curvilinear bands, likely depicting abstract or mythological creatures. Size: 5.25" Diameter x 0.4" H (13.3 cm x 1 cm)

Bronze mirrors have a long history in China - the oldest known comes from a tomb dated to ca. 2100 to 1600 BCE. By the Han Dynasty, mirrors like this one were immensely popular, and were produced in workshops at various regional centers in order to keep up with the demand from members of the royal court, court officials, and regional government workers. Mirrors like this one were expensive, and only owned by elites in the society as it is meant to bring good fortune to the living and, when placed in a grave, to keep evil spirits away from the dead.

Provenance: private Sylmer, California, USA collection, acquired via descent, originally collected in Asia in the 1950s

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#186970

  • Condition: Indentation beneath suspension loop with abrasion leading away from center towards rim as shown. Softening to finer details, otherwise intact and very good. Nice patina throughout.

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July 18, 2024 9:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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