Mirror

Four large T-shapes, placed aslant over a background pattern of scrolls in low relief, decorate the back of this mirror. A square field frames the small fluted loop in the center. From the corners of the square issue petal-shaped elements on long stems that crisscross underneath the T-shapes, while one branch ends in a long flail-like shape between two Ts. The polished reflecting surface is plain.

Historical period(s)
Warring States period, Eastern Zhou dynasty, 4th-3rd century BCE
Medium
Bronze
Dimensions
H x W x D: 0.6 x 16 x 16 cm (1/4 x 6 5/16 x 6 5/16 in)
Geography
China
Credit Line
Purchase — funds provided by the Friends of Asian Arts
Collection
Arthur M. Sackler Gallery
Accession Number
S1993.5
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Metalwork, Mirror
Type

Mirror

Keywords
China, Eastern Zhou dynasty (770 - 221 BCE), Warring States period (475 - 221 BCE)
Provenance

To ?
Mr. Henri Hoppenot (1891-1977) and Mrs. Henri Hoppenot, Paris, France. [1]

1991
Sale, Paris, Binoche et Godeau, Succession Hoppenot, April 9, 1991, lot 101. [2]

To 1993
J. J. Lally & Co. Oriental Art, New York. [3]

From 1993
Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, purchased from J.J. Lally & Co., New York. [4]

Notes:

[1] See invoice from J.J. Lally dated March 2, 1993, copy in object file.

[2] See note 1.

[3] See Acquisition Consideration Form, copy in object file.

[4] See note 3.

Previous Owner(s) and Custodian(s)

J.J. Lally & Co. Oriental Art
Binoche et Godeau
Henri Hoppenot 1891-1977

Description

Four large T-shapes, placed aslant over a background pattern of scrolls in low relief, decorate the back of this mirror. A square field frames the small fluted loop in the center. From the corners of the square issue petal-shaped elements on long stems that crisscross underneath the T-shapes, while one branch ends in a long flail-like shape between two Ts. The polished reflecting surface is plain.

Label

Although bronze mirrors with decorated backs and polished reflecting surfaces have existed since the late second millennium B.C.E. in China, the height of mirror production was reached a thousand years later. The large smooth T-shapes, floral elements, and finely textured curls on the back of this mirror represent one of the most popular and elegant designs from the late first millennium B.C.E. This mirror is the first ancient Chinese bronze mirror in the Sackler Gallery's permanent collection.

Published References
  • Jenny F. So, Emma C. Bunker. Traders and Raiders on China's Northern Frontier. Exh. cat. Seattle, 1995. p. 147.
Collection Area(s)
Chinese Art
Web Resources
Google Cultural Institute
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