Mirror with Handle in the Form of Papyrus Column, with Large Umbel
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Object Label
Egyptian artisans showed unparalleled skill in using religious symbolism for the design and decoration of everyday objects such as mirrors. The elliptical shape of this polished bronze mirror is typical, representing the appearance of the sun as it rises over the horizon at dawn. The papyrus-inspired handle symbolizes the sun's emergence from the primordial swamp that marked the transition between this world and the afterlife while defining the landscape of creation. As the disk reflected sunlight, it implied the promise of daily renewal.
Caption
Mirror with Handle in the Form of Papyrus Column, with Large Umbel, ca. 2040–1801 B.C.E.. Bronze, 9 1/4 × 4 15/16 in. (23.5 × 12.5 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 05.321. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.05.321_wwgA-1.jpg)
Gallery
Not on view
Gallery
Not on view
Title
Mirror with Handle in the Form of Papyrus Column, with Large Umbel
Date
ca. 2040–1801 B.C.E.
Dynasty
Dynasty 11 to Dynasty 12
Period
Middle Kingdom
Medium
Bronze
Classification
Dimensions
9 1/4 × 4 15/16 in. (23.5 × 12.5 cm)
Credit Line
Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
Accession Number
05.321
Rights
Creative Commons-BY
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