East Asia, China, Han Dynasty, ca. 206 BCE to 220 CE. A superb mirror cast from bronze and then heavily polished on the flat face to a lustrous and reflective surface. The verso has a central suspension knob surrounded by relief motifs; robed figures and horse drawn chariots with scrolling border. Bonze mirrors in ancient China were luxury goods that would have been expensive to produce and only available to the wealthy. Mirrors served both a practical and spiritual function, and were placed in tombs upon the chest of the deceased, as they often were, they were meant to protect the dead from evil spirits, who were frightened of being seen in reflection. In a similarly symbolic move, women carried "marriage mirrors" on their laps during their wedding procession; these were later hung over the marriage bed to repel evil spirits. Size: 7.75" Diameter x 0.45" W (19.7 cm x 1.1 cm)

Provenance: private Shaker Heights, Ohio, USA collection, acquired prior to 2008

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#179387

Softening to high relief details, including figure's faces and horses and softening to low relief rim motif. A few abrasions and wear commensurate with age and use, otherwise intact and very good. Surfaces are cleaned and polished. Dark patina and toning throughout.