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https://piction.clevelandart.org/cma/ump.di?e=DCDAE0CABEF5CD28845A83B63818652BDFFC3CABC38F4907111FDEE32F8FC44A&s=24247294&se=450972956&v=2&f=1917.680_o2.jpg
Nov 12, 2009
Mirror
Mirror
청동 거울 (銅鏡)
918–1392
Korea, Goryeo period
(918-1392)
Bronze
Diameter: 8.2 cm (3 1/4 in.)
Gift of D. Z. Norton 1917.680
Location
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Did you know?
Due to its origin as an important tool in religion and politics, mirrors are often mentioned in many Korean proverbs that warn certain behaviors.
Description
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 buried in elite tombs.
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