Collection record · Everyday wonders
Mirror
The collection record classifies this work as metalwork. It is dated 25–220 CE. Recorded culture or place: China, Eastern Han dynasty (25–220 CE).
Explore the object recordOBJECT RECORD
A closer look at the details.
- Museum title
- Mirror
- Date
- 25–220 CE
- Culture / origin
- China, Eastern Han dynasty (25–220 CE)
- Materials and technique
- bronze
- Dimensions
- Diameter: 13.1 cm (5 3/16 in.)
- Artist / maker
- Not specified by the museum
- Museum
- The Cleveland Museum of Art
- Accession number
- 1915.606
FROM THE MUSEUM
In the museum’s words
The following description is reproduced from the Cleveland Museum of Art’s original English record.
Two of the same animals of the Four Directions seen in the "TLV" mirror are cast in high relief and twisted in confrontation: the Dragon of the East with long snout, pointed horn, and scaly backbone meets the Tiger of the West with feline head and striped neck. An amphibious creature of unknown symbolism swims between their tails, perhaps depictions of Fuxi and Nüwa(?).The circle between their heads duplicates the form of a copper coin, minted during the Han dynasty, that was strung through its square perforation. The inscription on the coin reads, "Wu Zhu" (五銖), a five weight coin minted under Emperor Han Wudi who reigned from 141 to 87 BCE.
The encircling inscription reads: "Mr. Wang has made this mirror; it is true and without blemish. Its decoration is engraved with skilled craftsmanship. May your longevity be like metal and stone; may you have joy without end."
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Text and image sources
The Cleveland Museum of Art · Gift of the John Huntington Art and Polytechnic Trust · CC0
The summary is based on public collection data. Refer to the museum’s latest record for the title, date and attribution.
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