Loading
Flower-shaped Mirror
1100s
The Cleveland Museum of Art
Cleveland, United States
From ancient times, a mirror assumed various roles; a ritualistic tool, a diplomatic gift, and a luxury commodity. During the Goryeo dynasty (918-1392), which saw the great advancement of metallurgy, the royal court was the center of distributing sophisticated bronze artifacts. According to historical records, on the 7th day of the Lunar New Year, the king bestowed a bronze mirror inscribed with auspicious symbols upon each court official as part of a ceremony to celebrate the Day of Humans. This explains why a large quantity of bronze mirrors were excavated from elite tombs.
Show lessRead more
Download this artwork (provided by The Cleveland Museum of Art).
Learn more about this artwork.
Details
- Title: Flower-shaped Mirror
- Date Created: 1100s
- Physical Dimensions: Diameter: 20.7 cm (8 1/8 in.)
- Provenance: Nasli Heeramaneck [1902-1971], New York, NY, ?-1932, given to the Cleveland Museum of Art, The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH, 1932-present
- Type: Metalwork
- Rights: CC0
- External Link: https://clevelandart.org/art/1932.12
- Medium: bronze
- Fun Fact: Due to its origin as an important tool in religion and politics, mirrors are often mentioned in many Korean proverbs that warn certain behaviors.
- Department: Korean Art
- Culture: Korea, Goryeo dynasty (918–1392)
- Credit Line: Gift of N. M. Heeramaneck
- Collection: Korean Art
- Accession Number: 1932.12
Get the app
Explore museums and play with Art Transfer, Pocket Galleries, Art Selfie, and more
