Mirror stand in the shape of a rabbit
On loan to The Met
This work of art is currently on loan to the museum.This mirror stand displays the bronze artist’s ingenuity and fine craftsmanship; as quotidian objects, mirror stands were commonly made of wood or lacquer. This piece evokes the legendary moon-dwelling rabbit. In Chinese folklore, the moon is where the goddess Chang’e resides, accompanied by a rabbit. When such a three-dimensional rabbit supports a mirror, a lady using the mirror might well imagine herself as the moon goddess.
Artwork Details
- 明 銅鎏金臥兔形鏡架
- Title: Mirror stand in the shape of a rabbit
- Period: Ming dynasty (1368–1644)
- Date: 16th–17th century
- Culture: China
- Medium: Parcel gilt copper alloy
- Dimensions: H. 6 7/16 in. (16.3 cm); W. 10 1/4 in. (26 cm)
- Classification: Metalwork
- Credit Line: Lent by Capital Museum
- Rights and Reproduction: Photograph courtesy of Capital Museum, Beijing
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art