This object does not yet have a description.

Identification and Creation

Object Number
2010.436
Title
Circular Mirror with Relief Decoration of Birds, Beasts, and Human Figures
Classification
Mirrors
Work Type
mirror
Date
1st-2nd century
Places
Creation Place: East Asia, China
Period
Han dynasty, Eastern Han period, 25-220 CE
Culture
Chinese
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/315424

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Cast bronze
Dimensions
Diam. 15.8 cm (6 1/4 in.)

Provenance

Recorded Ownership History
Edmund Lin (1928-2006; Professor, Harvard Medical School), Boston; by bequest to the Harvard Art Museum

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Bequest of Edmund Chi Chien Lin
Accession Year
2010
Object Number
2010.436
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
Permissions

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Descriptions

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.

Verification Level

This record was created from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator; it may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art at am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu