Dimensions: Height 7 cm Wide 7 cm Depth 0,6 cm

Weight: 145 grams

Cast in bronze, this circular mirror displays heavy encrustation and malachite-green patina from long burial. The reverse is decorated with a central domed knob for suspension, surrounded by concentric rings with raised bosses in relief. The overall design, though now softened by corrosion, reflects the characteristic Han aesthetic of geometric order and symbolic protection. The reflecting side has weathered to a mottled green and reddish-brown surface, its original polish lost to time.

Bronze mirrors were not merely utilitarian objects but also carried strong symbolic meaning in Han China. They were believed to repel evil and reveal truth, often placed in tombs to protect the deceased and guide the soul. The central knob allowed the mirror to be tied with a cord, sometimes suspended as an amulet.

The design of Han mirrors often reflects cosmological symbolism: the circular form represents heaven, while the central boss signifies the pole star around which the cosmos turns. The surrounding bosses may be read as stars or constellations, situating the mirror within the Chinese worldview of harmony between heaven, earth, and human life. Thus, the mirror functioned not only as an object of daily use but also as a microcosm of the universe, ensuring cosmic order and protection for its owner.

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- Private buyers outside the EU who officially export the items.
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