Bronze mirror: Painted
dragons and phoenixes
Date
From 480-221 BC
Place of Origin
Culture/Period
Date From
-480
Date To
-221
Materials
Height (cm)
0.3
Diameter (cm)
19
Credit Line
Accession Number
HKU.B.1955.0154
Description
On the decoration side of the mirror, it is engraved with mythic animals such as phoneixes, and dragons by using red pigment. These animals were used as fine patterns by specialists for bronze bianhu and other wares in the Warring states. There is a triple-fluted knob on this side. Triple-fluted knob was a popular design of knob in Warring States. As the mirror is in circular shape, this pierced knob was created for a cord or string to pass, which can let the owner to hold it.
On this side, there are two features that shows this mirror is from late Warring States. One is the small-intricate patterns on mirror. This design means the use of mirrors change from only for special purpose to daily use. This shows the mirror is from late Warring State as this change happened in the late Warring States. Another feature is the design of rims. Outer rim is in circular shape while inner rim is in concave shape, and the innerest rim is in circular shape again. This type of design further prove this mirror is made in the late Warring State.
On the other side of the mirror, it was grinded by flat grinding stones. Random reflection caused by uneven surface was avoided. Therefore, it was shiny enough for self adornment. However, bronze was corroded by oxygen with the increase of time. Therefore, the situation of bronze is no longer shiny and strong.
On this side, there are two features that shows this mirror is from late Warring States. One is the small-intricate patterns on mirror. This design means the use of mirrors change from only for special purpose to daily use. This shows the mirror is from late Warring State as this change happened in the late Warring States. Another feature is the design of rims. Outer rim is in circular shape while inner rim is in concave shape, and the innerest rim is in circular shape again. This type of design further prove this mirror is made in the late Warring State.
On the other side of the mirror, it was grinded by flat grinding stones. Random reflection caused by uneven surface was avoided. Therefore, it was shiny enough for self adornment. However, bronze was corroded by oxygen with the increase of time. Therefore, the situation of bronze is no longer shiny and strong.
Citation
“Bronze mirror: Painted
dragons and phoenixes,” 3D Objects at UMAG, accessed May 3, 2024, https://cchu9080.lib.hku.hk/items/show/28.
dragons and phoenixes,” 3D Objects at UMAG, accessed May 3, 2024, https://cchu9080.lib.hku.hk/items/show/28.