Eight-Lobed Mirror with Dragon Carp

EIGHT-LOBED MIRROR WITH DECORATION OF A DRAGON CARP

Goryeo dynasty (918–1392)
Inventory number: XLIX:II:A.07.

This eight-lobed mirror is decorated with a carp transforming into a winged dragon amid waves and clouds. According to Chinese mythology, which was also adopted in Korea, the first carp of the year to leap past the Dragon Gate becomes a dragon. This is used as a metaphor for a scholar passing the imperial service examinations to become an official within the imperial bureaucracy. This can also represent the ability to overcome adversity.