Mirror with Six Circular Flowers

Description

Around the mirror’s central knob, there are six floral designs set within circles, separated by candelabra-like dividers. These flower designs later became known as "baoxiang hua 寶相花" or "flowers of precious appearance", which often remind people of Buddhist connections. The design also includes a ribbon of inscription, praising the mirror’s clarity and celebrating the end of a war.

Provenance

Thomas and Martha Carter, Madison, WI, given to the Cleveland Museum of Art (?–1995); The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (1995–)

Mirror with Six Circular Flowers

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600s

Accession Number

1995.341

Medium

bronze

Dimensions

Diameter: 16.6 cm (6 9/16 in.); Overall: 1.5 cm (9/16 in.); Rim: 0.9 cm (3/8 in.)

Classification

Metalwork

Museum

The Cleveland Museum of Art

Cleveland, United States

Credit Line

Gift of Drs. Thomas and Martha Carter in Honor of Sherman E. Lee