Mirror with Decoration of Birds and Mythic Beasts
Date206 B.C.E. - 220 C.E.
MediumCast bronze
DimensionsOverall: 4 in. (10.2 cm)
Credit LineGift of Andy Yeh
Object number2000.78
Terms
- Han (Chinese)
Object TypeMetalwork
On View
Not on viewThe decoration on this so-called marriage mirror includes four small knobbed disks that represent miniature mirrors of similar shape. They symbolize the future offspring—children and grandchildren— who will carry on the lineage of the person owning the mirror. The linear designs of mythical creatures set between the tiny mirrors—birds, perhaps phoenixes, and what appear to be a dragon and a tiger—are auspicious motifs symbolizing peace, happiness, harmony, and prosperity. In ancient China, the phoenix, tiger, and dragon are also divine beasts representing points on the celestial compass. By extension, their presence on this marriage mirror symbolizes the continued balance of the forces of the universe.
17th - 18th century
And They Are Like Wild Beasts (Y son fieras), from The Disasters of War (Los desastres de la guerra)
Francisco de Goya
1810 - 1820 (plates, published 1863)
618 - 907
circa 12th century B.C.E.
circa 12th century B.C.E.
circa 12th century B.C.E.
