In ancient China, mirrors were used
not only as functional articles in daily life but as
sacred objects filled with
a power of their own. The custom of placing
mirrors in a tomb originated around
the fourth century B.C., when they functioned as
reflectors of the spirit world.
The Chinese believed that mirrors had the ability
not only to reflect, but also
to radiate light, and thus illuminate the tomb for
eternity. Often more than one
mirror was placed in the tomb, not with the other
funerary objects, but close to
the body of the deceased.
In
characteristic Chinese fashion, both the
geometric motifs and naturalistic forms
used to decorate this mirror have symbolic
meaning. An ox is depicted in the
center with an arching hunched back, small
curved horns, and a bushy tail.
The four prominent smiling creatures
sculpted in high relief, probably
monkeys or tigers, surround the ox and refer to
the four cardinal directions and
the quadrants of the universe. These
animals have Zodiacal connotations relating to
Han astronomical and cosmological
beliefs. A series of birds or
pheasants in alternating states of flight and rest
are represented on the outer
band. A motif of grape bunches,
vines, and leaves intertwine throughout the back
of the mirror.
While mirrors allow us to see ourselves
and examine our own physical
forms, the beauty and expert craftsmanship of
this bronze work might prove more
fascinating to inspect for even the vainest
individual.
- (PF.5709)
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