CHINESE BRONZE MIRROR COPPER BRONZE MYTHICAL BEAST

8” across and weighs 3lbsBronze mirrors have a long history in Chinese culture, dating to at least the 11th century Before Common Era (BC). Many mirrors were placed with their owners in ancient tombs. Some have been passed down from generation to generation for many years in the same family.Mirrors were more uniform and typically round in Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD) while greater variety is observed in the Song and Yuan dynasties (10th -14th century) when different forms, such as oblong and octagonal appeared. Some mirrors have a handle or eyelets for hanging. In the last few centuries, during the reign of the Qing dynasty (1616-1911), bronze mirrors were gradually replaced by glass mirrors.The mirrors were used in ancient China in the same way they are used today - people look at themselves. But the mirror was also an object of art and frequently included cosmological, spiritual and even magical meanings and functions.The front of the mirror is so finely polished that it can reflect the image of the user's face. The mirror is usually round, connecting a concept of ideal shape with the Chinese cosmological theory of ‘hemispherical dome.’ The back is often decorated with a button and various motifs such as phoenix, beasts, flowers, leaves and lattice. Some also have inscriptions. Changes in style and decorations between different historical periods reflect the evolution of social and cultural ideas and preferences. Stylistic variety helps collectors and historians to cla