Chinese history and culture reflected by bronze mirrors

The mirror-presenting activity promoted the development and producing skills of bronze mirrors, and made the mirror well-appreciated by people from every walk of society.

3、As Pledge in Love

Since most bronze mirrors are round, the mirror has become the best symbol of perfect bliss. Round shapes in ancient China represented perfection, reunion, fortune and satisfactory love and marriage as well. As a result, a mirror was often used as a pledge in love or part of the dowry. Many messages on the mirrors from the Tang Dynasty expressed the happiness between couples.

In many tombs of couples, archeologists used to discover two halves of a mirror, one in each spouse’s tomb.

Ancient people did not understand the theory of reflection, so they generally believed that mirrors were able to dispel evils with the light they gave out. In the rituals of Buddhism and Taoism, bronze mirrors were indispensable. Some people use mirrors as exorcising utensils to keep their houses safe. Although it may not be scientifically correct, at least it gave some mental relief to those who were timid.

5、As Ambassador of International Communication

Ancient Chinese bronze mirrors have been unearthed in countries like Japan, Vietnam, Afghanistan and Iran. The presenting of mirrors to foreign ambassadors can date back to Han Dynasty, as recorded in the Sanguo Zhi.

The development of bronze mirrors’ shape, decorative patterns and inscriptions mark the imagination and view of culture of our ancient people, while it also suggests its systematic and time-distinctive features. The investigation of those patterns and inscriptions provide us practical evidence and a unique view to learn the culture, art and social consciousness of ancient Chinese society.