Circular Mirror with Relief Decoration of Birds, Beasts, and Human Figures
1st-2nd century
Description
The high beveled rim on this circular mirror sinks downward into four bands of geometric bordering -- sawtooth, chevrons, sawtooth, and short straight radiating lines. Within the border of radiating lines is a circular ring with an inscription cast in thread relief that encircles the main decorative field. There are 6 pointed bosses spaced equidistantly around the center of the decorative field. Between the pointed bosses there is one bird, one beast, or a pair of human figures. A ring with two pairs of confronting dragons (or animals?) raised in relief encircle a large hemispherical boss at the center. There are some localized areas of patina on the reflecting side of the mirror.
Dimensions
Diam. 15.8 cm (6 1/4 in.)
Provenance
Edmund Lin (1928-2006; Professor, Harvard Medical School), Boston; by bequest to the Harvard Art Museum
Related Artworks
View MoreCast bronze
8th centuryChineseCast bronze
12th centuryChineseCast bronze inset with silver bosses, some bosses covered with gold
5th-3rd century BCEChineseCast bronze
8th centuryChineseBronze
10th-9th century BCENear EasternCast bronze; with localized areas of parcel gilding and dated inscription
9th centuryChineseBronze, silver inlay
4th century BCEEtruscanCast bronze, the inset silver plaque on the reverse with repoussé designs; with a dated inscription on the reverse, beneath the inset plaque
7th centuryChineseLeaded bronze
5th century BCEGreekCopper alloy
4th century BCEGreekCast bronze
5th-3rd century BCEChineseCast bronze
8th centuryChinese