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Flower-shaped Mirror
1100s-1200s
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.
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Details
- Title: Flower-shaped Mirror
- Date Created: 1100s-1200s
- Physical Dimensions: Overall: 9.2 x 0.6 cm (3 5/8 x 1/4 in.)
- Type: Metalwork
- Rights: CC0
- External Link: https://clevelandart.org/art/1917.678
- Medium: bronze
- Original Title: 청동 꽃모양 거울 (銅製花形鏡)
- 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 period (918-1392)
- Credit Line: Gift of D. Z. Norton
- Collection: Korean Art
- Accession Number: 1917.678
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