Mirror with Queen Mother of the West, Lord of the East, and mythical creatures
The seated figure with two attendants is the Queen Mother of the West, as indicated in the inscription. Seated across from her is her consort, the Lord of the East. According to Han dynasty mythology, they jointly ruled the universe.
Artwork Details
- 東漢 神僊異獣紋銅鏡
- Title: Mirror with Queen Mother of the West, Lord of the East, and mythical creatures
- Period: Eastern Han dynasty (25–220)
- Date: 2nd–3rd century
- Culture: China
- Medium: Bronze with black patina
- Dimensions: Diam. 7 1/8 in. (18.1 cm)
- Classification: Mirrors
- Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1917
- Object Number: 17.52
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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China
dated 486 (10th year of Taihe reign)
China
1st–2nd century
Vietnam
late 2nd–3rd century
Pakistan (ancient region of Gandhara)
1st to mid-2nd century
India, Ancient kingdom of Kashmir
9th century
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