Western Han Dynasty Bronze Mirror with Star Cloud and Linked Arc Pattern (2nd Century BCE)

拍品描述

Dimensions: 11.1 cm (4.37 in./0.36 ft) in diameter, 251 g (0.55 lb). A classic Western Han Dynasty bronze mirror. Condition and Provenance: Excellent condition, perfectly round, with well-preserved decorations, exhibiting a natural green patina, mineral corrosion, and original bronze hue. Provenance: Private collection, California, USA. Description: This Western Han Dynasty bronze mirror features classic nebula and interlocking patterns. Cast in bronze, its shape is rounded and symmetrical. The back of the mirror is decorated with exquisite patterns, while the front was used for grooming. It perfectly preserves the authentic texture of ancient Chinese bronzes. The center of the back features a multi-petaled flower-shaped knob, with an animal-shaped knob in the middle. The nebula pattern consists of raised dots of varying sizes connected by flowing lines, creating a celestial image. The design of this mirror reflects the Han Dynasty's belief in astronomy, harmony between heaven and humanity, and auspicious protection. A wide, inward-curving arc surrounds the nebula pattern, one of the most distinctive features of Western Han Dynasty bronze mirrors. The outer edge is decorated with a raised, unadorned surface, giving the mirror a stable and symmetrical silhouette. The decoration employs a shallow relief casting technique, resulting in a highly symmetrical composition and exquisite craftsmanship. The back of the mirror retains its deep, original bronze base color, covered with a natural green mineral patina and traces of reddish-brown soil corrosion. The mirror surface retains a thick layer of dark green rust, mixed with faint earth-colored mineral deposits, showcasing the true marks of time etched into its surface over hundreds of years. The Nebula Arc Pattern Mirror, made using traditional bronze casting techniques, was one of the most popular mirror types from the reign of Emperor Wu of Han to the mid-Western Han Dynasty. This mirror combines everyday practicality with symbolic meanings of astronomy, protection, and blessings, representing the exquisite craftsmanship and cultural concepts of Han Dynasty bronze art.

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