EN
♡
Mirror — Korea, Goryeo dynasty (918–1392)

Click image to view full screen

Written by: Burak KurtResearcher · Old Master Paintings
Korean Art · Catalogue no. 11173
Korea, Goryeo dynasty (918–1392)

Mirror

StatusReference work · Not for sale
Held byCleveland Museum of Art
Own a comparable work? Consign with us

✓ Authenticity guarantee · ✓ Specialist condition report · ✓ Insured worldwide shipping · ✓ Private-room viewing

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 excavated from elite tombs.

Artist / MakerKorea, Goryeo dynasty (918–1392)
Date918–1392
Culture / OriginKorea, Goryeo dynasty (918–1392)
Mediumbronze
DimensionsDiameter: 9.6 cm (3 3/4 in.)
DepartmentKorean Art
TypeMetalwork
About the Artist

Full biography →

Provenance & Source

Image & data: Cleveland Museum of Art, CC0 / Public Domain.

Condition

A detailed condition report and high-resolution photography are available from our specialists in advance of the sale.

Shipping & Collection

Fine-art shipping with climate control and full insurance to over 120 countries; collection by appointment.

Buying at Matchless Pieces

Register, verify your identity, and bid online or in a private room. Buyer’s premium and taxes are shown before you confirm.

The Matchless Letter

Sale previews, new discoveries in illumination and miniature, and private-room invitations.