Mirror (Shinjūkyō) Based on Han Dynasty Prototype with Cosmological Design

Japan

Not on view

The Japanese “deity and beast mirror” (shinjūkyō) is an ancient type of round bronze mirror decorated with images from Chinese mythology and cosmology. The obverse of this example features a polished mirror, while relief representations of Chinese deities and legendary creatures decorate the reverse. As Chinese bronze-casting technology spread, these mirrors were produced in Japan, beginning in the Kofun period. Based on their mysterious ability to reflect all things (a property they share with swords and jewels), mirrors are attributed with profound religious significance and have been used in Shinto rituals since ancient times.

Mirror (Shinjūkyō) Based on Han Dynasty Prototype with Cosmological Design, Bronze, Japan

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Mirror (Shinjūkyō) Based on Han Dynasty Prototype with Cosmological Design, Bronze, Japan
Mirror (Shinjūkyō) Based on Han Dynasty Prototype with Cosmological Design, Bronze, Japan

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