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Featured Chinese Bronzes

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Image of Bronze Mirror with T, L, and V Patterns

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Bookmark: http://triarte.brynmawr.edu/objects-1/info/174677





Bronze Mirror with T, L, and V Patterns

Han
1st century
Bronze

Mirror without box
1/4 in. x 5 1/2 in. (diameter) (0.64 cm x 13.97 cm)

Bryn Mawr College
Accession Number: 82.47.a-c
Other Number(s): 67.47.DUP2 (Incorrect Accession No.)
Geography: Asia, Possibly China
Classification: Clothing and Adornments; Toilet Articles
Culture/Nationality: Likely Chinese
Collection: Helen B. Chapin '15 Collection
Findspot: Per inscription on the box, this was excavated in Northern Korea

Description: This bronze mirror is an excellent example of the richly decorated mirrors from Han Dynasty China. It features the TLV pattern, so named because of the repeated shapes on the large inner band that resemble the Latin letters T, L, and V. On the back of the mirror is a Taoist poem, inscribed in a circle, with a center hole for a tassel from which the mirror could be held.

Mirrors with complex designs like this one were status symbols for their owners. Han mirrors were sometimes placed in tombs to accompany deceased nobles in the afterlife.

Keywords Click a term to view the records with the same keyword
This object has the following keywords:
Asian*, inscriptions*
  • Asian - Refers to the cultures of the continent of Asia, which is in the eastern hemisphere, and is bounded by the Pacific Ocean, the Indian Ocean, the Arctic Ocean, and is generally considered to be delimited on the west by the Ural Mountains. It also refers to the numerous islands off the coast of Asia.
  • inscriptions - Words, texts, lettering, or symbols marked on a work, including texts, legends, documentation notes, or commemoration. For standardized symbols or notations on objects that convey official information, use "marks (symbols)."

Additional Images Click an image to view a larger version
Additional Image 82.47.a-c_BMC_f_6.jpg
82.47.a-c_BMC_f_6.jpg
Additional Image 82.47.a-c_BMC_f_7.jpg
82.47.a-c_BMC_f_7.jpg
Additional Image 82.47.a-c_BMC_t.jpg
82.47.a-c_BMC_t.jpg
Additional Image 82.47.a-c_BMC_t_2.jpg
82.47.a-c_BMC_t_2.jpg
Additional Image 82.47.a-c_BMC_f_5.jpg
82.47.a-c_BMC_f_5.jpg

Exhibition List
This object was included in the following exhibitions:
  • Mirrors and Masks: Reflections and Constructions of the Self Bryn Mawr College , Mar 23, 2017 – Jun 4, 2017
  • Worlds to Discover: 125 Years of Collections at Bryn Mawr College Bryn Mawr College , Sep 24, 2010 – May 28, 2011
  • An Appreciation of Chinese Arts in Bryn Mawr College's Collections Bryn Mawr College , Apr 23, 2002 – May 20, 2002
  • An Appreciation of East Asian Aesthetics Bryn Mawr College , Mar 23, 2000 – Apr 23, 2000

Dimensions
  • Mirror without box Dimensions: 1/4 x 5 1/2 in. (0.635 x 13.97 cm)

Bibliography List
The following Bibliography exist for this object:
  • Marianne Hansen and Emily Croll. Worlds to Discover. Bryn Mawr College. Bryn Mawr, PA, 2010
    Page Number: 25-26
  • Carrie Robbins and Steven Z. Levine. Mirrors & Masks. Bryn Mawr College. Bryn Mawr, PA, March, 2017
    Page Number: 24-25, Figure Number: Plate 2, Figure 12

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This object is a member of the following portfolios:
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Featured Chinese Bronzes

If you would like to cite this object in a Wikipedia article please use the following template:

<ref name=BMC>cite web |url=http://triarte.brynmawr.edu/objects-1/info/174677 |title=Bronze Mirror with T, L, and V Patterns |author=Bryn Mawr College Library Special Collections |accessdate=6/5/2023 |publisher=Bryn Mawr College</ref>

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