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Petite Han Dynasty Bronze Mirror, c. 200 BC
$480
£362.78
€415.81
CA$669.59
A$730.18
CHF 386.08
MX$8,783.37
NOK 4,899.38
SEK 4,490.24
DKK 3,105.87
About the Item
This petite Chinese bronze mirror has the simple beauty and undeniable texture of an ancient object. Though an exact date is unknown, the mirror's round form and relief decoration suggest it was cast during the early Han dynasty (206 BC - AD 220). Like the jade bi disc, the circular form of early bronze mirrors were closely associated with the sun, the moon and the spiritual realm.
The back of this small mirror is adorned with concentric bands of low relief decoration, the innermost circle patterned with raised dots and small birds around a central, perforated knob. Likely unearthed after centuries beneath soil, the bronze form is enveloped in heavy oxidation and faint hues of a green patina. Left flat, the opposite side would have been highly polished and coated with mercury or silver for a bright, reflective surface.
_ _ _ _ _
Before the broadened popularity of polished metal mirrors, many could only view their reflection by filling a basin with still water. With advancements in metalworking during the Warring States period (475 BC - 221 BC), cast bronze mirrors emerged in ancient China as daily tools reserved for the aristocratic class.
Besides their functional purpose, early mirrors were closely associated with the sun and moon and therefore imbued with special cosmological and spiritual meaning. Objects of art made from valuable material, such mirrors were commonly bestowed as gifts or dowry offerings and passed down within families as cherished heirlooms.
Additional Dimensions:
Diameter of Mirror: 2.5"
Base: 2"W x 1.5"D
- Dimensions:Height: 6.5 in (16.51 cm)Width: 2.5 in (6.35 cm)Depth: 1.5 in (3.81 cm)
- Style:Han (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:Bronze,Cast
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:c. 200 BC
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. Minor fading.
- Seller Location:Chicago, IL
- Reference Number:Seller: YUN0004N1stDibs: LU820048008712
About the Seller
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- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Chicago, IL
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$1,080 Sale Price
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