|
|
 |
|
| Chinese Bronze Mirrors |
|
Before the introduction of modern mirror which is glass coated with
a layer of mercury on the back, most ancient cultures solved the
problem to see one's face, and bronze mirrors were found in key
civilizations. In China, the first tool to serve as mirror is a
shallow bronze jar (called Jian ?) which holds water to provide
reflection of one's face. However, this was a very expensive item,
available only to the rulers. With the advancement of metallurgy
in mid bronze age, the bronze mirror replaces the jian as the common
mirror in Warring State period. So bronze mirror has about three
thousand years of developmental history in China. Most collectors
concentrate on Chinese mirrors of the Warring States, Han Dynasty,
and Tang Dynasty, while those from Sung Dynasty onward were neglected.
All Chinese mirrors have one shiny reflective side and a decorative
side. A knob at the center of the decorative side allows a rope
to be tied as a handle. In Sung Dynasty, some mirrors have handles
to replace the knob. The different styles and materials of the Chinese
bronze mirror are reflective (pun intended) of the artistic fashion
and technological advances in metallurgy during different periods
of history. As a practical tool for reflection, the Chinese mirror
needs polishing after some period of use. |
|
|
