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Mirror with a Pair of Addorsed Sphinxes with Scorpion Tails

12th–13th century
Not on view
Polished-metal mirrors have existed since ancient times, from Egypt to Greece to China. The medieval Islamic period, specifically during the rise of the Seljuqs and other Turkish dynasties, witnessed the production of a large number of circular cast-bronze mirrors with a fully decorated reverse. Despite a relatively short phase of manufacture (twelfth to the thirteenth century), they enjoyed wide popularity within and beyond the Seljuq realm. The simple technique of sand-cast bronze would have enabled mass production for a broad market, as demonstrated by the large number of mirrors with similar motifs (specifically the type featuring a pair of sphinxes with scorpion tails). Beyond their practical function, they served as talismans, given their benedictory inscriptions and apotropaic motifs. Some are believed to have been used for divination or possess other magical powers.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Mirror with a Pair of Addorsed Sphinxes with Scorpion Tails
  • Date: 12th–13th century
  • Geography: Made in Iran or Turkey
  • Medium: Bronze; cast
  • Dimensions: H. 7/16 in. (1.1 cm)
    Diam. 4 1/8 in. (10.5 cm)
    Wt. 8.8 oz. (249.5 g)
  • Classification: Metal
  • Credit Line: Bequest of Mary Anna Palmer Draper, 1915
  • Object Number: 15.43.285
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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