Bronze Mirror

Here is another nice early hand held mirror. The design is a relatively complex one of a chrysanthemum that has purposefully been set slightly off center to the mirror.  The detail of the chrysanthemum is great - it has been skillfully executed to suggest depth through multiple layers of petals.  Quite a feat since the design is carved in a single plain in a wet mold prior to casting, and only has a millimeter or so of depth.  This mirror  has a very dark patina with some dark green oxidation here and there. 

8.1 cm x 8.1 cm x 2mm thick at surface x 3mm at rim

Late Muromachi  (ca. 1500 - 1550)

 

$300