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Identification and Creation

Object Number
2010.560
Title
Pentafoliate Mirror with Well-Defined Rim and Decoration of Geese Flying Amidst Floral Scrolls
Classification
Mirrors
Work Type
mirror
Date
12th-14th century
Places
Creation Place: East Asia, Korea
Period
Koryŏ dynasty, 918-1392
Culture
Korean
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/336959

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Cast bronze
Dimensions
W. 11 cm (4 5/16 in.)

Provenance

Recorded Ownership History
[through ?, Korea, mid 1960s]; to Jerry Lee Musslewhite (mid 1960s-2009); to Estate of Jerry Lee Musslewhite (2009-2010), sold; to Harvard Art Museums, 2010.

NOTE: Jerry Lee Musslewhite was an employee of the U.S. Department of Defense who worked in the Republic of Korea from 1965 to 1969.

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Purchase through the generosity of Alan J. and Suzanne W. Dworsky
Accession Year
2010
Object Number
2010.560
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
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Descriptions

Description
A well-articulated, relief lip encloses this mirror, which is generally circular in form, though its lip and border are segmented into five well-defined lobes. The mirror's decorated back is divided into three concentric sections, including a broad border (just inside the raised lip), a slightly sunken medallion, and the central boss. The broad border is decorated with a simple, repeating floral scroll. The slightly sunken medallion is embellished with a floral arabesque that includes foliage, blossoms, and scrolling stems and tendrils. Two geese appear within the floral arabesque; their wings spread in flight, the geese appear on either side of the central boss. With one goose seeming to ascend and the other appearing to descend, the geese perfectly complement each other; this slight asymmetricality injects a hint of tension into the otherwise balanced and virtually bilaterally symmetrical composition. Generally hemispherical, the central boss has a flattened top and is surrounded by a ring of raised dots. With its segmented lip and border, this mirror suggests the form of a five-petaled flower; in that context, the central boss and surrounding ring of dots might be interpreted at the flower's heart surrounded by its pistils and stamen. The reflecting face of the mirror is flat and undecorated. In contrast to most Korean mirrors from the Kory? period, this mirror shows very little patination, though small, localized areas of patina appear on both its decorated back and its reflecting face.

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