TLV-Type Mirror
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Object Label
This is a popular type of Han-dynasty mirror, defined by the symmetrical arrangement of three geometric motifs resembling the Roman letters T, L, and V around the central knob. Scholars have suggested that the pattern is modeled after compasses (gui) and try squares (ju) used to mark 90-degree angles; these tools were often depicted on Han-dynasty stone engravings, in the hands of the mythological creators Fuxi and Nuwa when they were symbolically measuring and defining the cosmos. This particular mirror was purchased in 1909 in Shanghai by Stewart Culin (1858–1929), the Brooklyn Museum’s first curator of ethnology (1903–29).
Caption
TLV-Type Mirror, 25–220. Bronze, 1/2 x 5 1/8 in. (1.3 x 13 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Museum Expedition 1909, Purchased with funds given by Thomas T. Barr, E. LeGrand Beers, Carll H. de Silver, Herman B. Stutzer, Colonel Robert B. Woodward and Museum Collection Fund, 10.58. Creative Commons-BY
Collection
Collection
Title
TLV-Type Mirror
Date
25–220
Dynasty
Han Dynasty
Period
Early Han Dynasty (possibly)
Geography
Place made: China
Medium
Bronze
Classification
Dimensions
1/2 x 5 1/8 in. (1.3 x 13 cm)
Credit Line
Museum Expedition 1909, Purchased with funds given by Thomas T. Barr, E. LeGrand Beers, Carll H. de Silver, Herman B. Stutzer, Colonel Robert B. Woodward and Museum Collection Fund
Accession Number
10.58
Rights
Creative Commons-BY
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