Chinese Han Dynasty (206 BC-220 AD) Bronze Mirror

Bronze mirrors are a classic item that represents a host of traditional Chinese values and perceptions. In archaic Chinese bronze-age cultures bronze mirrors are particularly associated with shamanism, magic, mystery and other worlds. As well as being aids to the day-to-day beautification process, such mirrors were used as “interfaces” between the daily life and the beyond, in the performance of spiritual rites and as talismans.

Originally the undecorated reflecting surface of these metal castings would have had a high polish and in many instances carried a mercury, or even a gilded, coating so as to enable their function as mirrors. The central nub at times was used to hold or secure the mirror while in use, while at other times just served as a central focus, the mirror being supported just by a stand made from wood or other materials such as jade, ivory or bronze.  In Asian shamanistic culture a mirror can be used to capture or “fix” a spirit, to aid a spiritual process and in rites.

Asian archaic bronze mirrors are high-status and extremely valuable items, which were invariably buried with the dead to accompany the spirit to heavenly or celestial realms and are at times best understood as being like road-maps or reminders of the Way or journey of the spirit into the next world. Many of these mirrors had a talismanic or “protective” function also, protecting their owner from untoward occult forces or circumstance. In many instances they may have been the single most precious item of their owner and the only valuable item to be buried with them.

This is a superb original Han Dynasty bronze mirror plain but exquisite in its thinness, original detail and obvious use. The mirror was soaked in acetone to aid in determining its authenticity. Original toning and old manganese crystals and calcification will not come off a piece when soaked in acetone. The mirrored surface retains a coloring hint of the mercury coating. Under 45X magnification the mirrored smooth surface exhibits thousands of tiny scratches going in all directions as would be expected on pieces that were polished a host of times over a long time period. The reverse has a lip around the outside edge with another lip one centimeter inside the edge. The back is centered with a holed nub. Under 45X magnification the hole in the nub is coated in manganese crystals. Manganese crystals are also seen all over the back surface and in some of the pits on the mirrored surface.  The mirror exhibits enhancing wear all over the piece and retains a near perfect patina.  On one edge the lip has four old file marks, the symbolism of this alteration is uncertain but most likely relates to releasing spirits.  The piece is wonderfully thin representing that it is a high end piece and probably earlier in the Han period.

There are many reproductions of bronze mirrors on the market some made to look old. This fine example is a 2000 or more years old original that you will love.

Dimensions: Diameter 4 1/2  inches (11.4 cm), Rim thickness (includes lip) .4 cm, Body thickness .12 cm thick.

Provenance: Fredericks/McIntyre Collection from Antiquitiesplus.com

SOME PUBLISHED REFERENCES TO MAJOR CONTEMPORARY COLLECTIONS OF CHINESE BRONZE MIRRORS

"Bronze Mirrors from Ancient China: The Donald H Graham Jr. Collection", 1994. (134 mirrors total – 25 from the Warring States era)
In the Honolulu Academy of Arts, Hawaii, USA.

"Circles of Reflection: The Carter Collection of Chinese Bronze Mirrors".
(143 mirrors total – including Warring States, Han, Sui and Tang examples.)
The Collection was formed by Dr. Thomas and Mrs. Martha Carter of Madison, WI. In the Cleveland Museum, Cleveland, USA.

"Clarified Beauty of Bronze Mirrors: The Wellington Wang Collection",
(249 mirrors, mirror stands and items/sculptures associated with mirrors).
In the National Museum of History, Taipei, Taiwan.

If you have any questions or require additional information please call me at 520-429-0177.

In addition to myself this piece has been verified by  Fred Gumbart and David Fredericks.  Mr. Fred Gumbart is the owner/appraiser of Arizona Galleries (520-322-6388). He specializes (by appointment only) in consultations, and he is an official, licensed, and accredited appraiser of Fine Period Antiques, Fine Art, Ethnographic Art, Pre-Columbian Art and the Asian Arts.  Fred is a lifelong, serious collector of art, antiques and artifacts, and has been seen on the PBS History Detectives TV Show concerning antiques and artifacts. 

Mr. David Fredericks is curator and authenticator of Antiquities Plus in Tucson, Arizona (520-795-0061). His knowledge of Asian art, particularly jades, is equal to any I have seen.  His use of microscopic analysis and sequential attribute confirmation in verifying a pieces life history and condition is unique. He is impeccable and at times brutally honest.

Refunds will be made only upon receipt by me (within 14 days of buyer's receipt of the item), of a written verification from a major University Department Head or Major Museum Curator from a recognized institution in the appropriate field.

Note: For International sales, buyer is responsible for all import duty taxes.