Artwork preview

Mirror with animals of the four directions and other mythical creatures

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Round, flat, dark-colored metal object with a raised edge. The object has a circular pattern with a raised outer edge. The center features a small raised circle surrounded by concentric circles. The circles have various etched designs including animals, foliage, and geometric shapes. The outermost circle has an etched design resembling scrollwork or waves. The background of the image is a gradient from black at the top to white at the bottom. The object casts a shadow on the surface below it. The object is titled "Mirror with animals of the four directions and other mythical creatures" by an unknown artist.

Artwork Details

Date
1st–2nd century
Medium
Bronze
Culture
China
Dimensions
600 × 450 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette