Mirror

11th–12th century

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 453

Cast bronze mirrors were often used for divination or magical medicine. The polished metallic front provided a reflective surface. Often, the decoration on the back depicted the zodiac or mythological themes. The iconography of eagle-and-man pictured on this small mirror has parallels in material excavated from a Ghaznavid palace in Uzbekistan.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

References

Title: Mirror
Date: 11th–12th century
Geography: Attributed to Iran or Central Asia
Medium: Bronze; cast
Dimensions: D. 3/8 in. (0.9 cm)
Diam. 2 11/16 in. (6.8 cm)
Classification: Metal
Credit Line: Gift of Dr. Maurice S. Dimand, in memory of his wife, Avis, 1976
Object Number: 1976.158.1
Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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