Bronze Mirror

This bronze mirror with several circular layers is said to have been popular in the 3rd century during the late Han Period in China. Due to cultural exchanges with China, several areas in the Korean Peninsula have been reported to excavate this particular type of artefact. Regarding its surface, the mirror has a semi-circular knob in the middle of the back and six decorative sub-knobs which divided this area into six sectors. In the sectors, the knobs look like different animals, but are presumably all divined animals from heaven. Interestingly, the Chinese letter ‘上方乍竟宜子’ is embossed in the outer side of the decorative part.