Mirror
Dateearly 8th century
Maker
Chinese
Label TextThe traditional medium of bronze continued to be used for making mirrors. The miniature mirror still retains much of its original luster, attesting to the superb craftsmanship. Foreign influence is apparent on another mirror in its novel eight-lobed shape, which was based on a botanical form. The marriage mirror would be used in the wedding ceremony as a protective charm for conjugal happiness, as symbolized by the auspicious animals and plants, some shown in pairs or entwined. The motif in the center of the marriage mirror is a diagrammatical representation of the Five Sacred Mountains, with the knob appearing as the central mountain. Auspicious clouds, alternating with four more good omens, rise above them.
Object number45.34
Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, "Timeless Grandeur: Art from China"
April 25, 2002 - June 12, 2005Credit LineEugene Fuller Memorial Collection
Dimensions1/8 in. (0.3 cm)
Diam.: 3 in.
MediumSilvered bronze
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