Japanese Mirrors
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Square Mirror, Auspicious flower and mythical Chinese beast design, Excavated from Yamadasakuratani-cho, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Nara period, 8th century (Gift of Mr. Araki Otojiro)
Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 13
April 19, 2016 (Tue) - July 10, 2016 (Sun)From the Yayoi to the Nara period (ca. 5th century BC–794 AD), bronze mirrors from continental Asia, including China and the Korean peninsula, were brought to Japan and reproduced locally. From the subsequent Heian period (794–1192) all the way to the Edo period (1603–1868), mirrors with uniquely Japanese patterns and shapes were created. These are collectively known as wa kagami (lit. Japanese mirrors). This exhibition begins with reproductions of Chinese mirrors from the Nara period, followed by Japanese mirrors, which underwent a long period of change and development. Visitors will be able to see transitions in style and the various patterns that appeared throughout the ages.
Current exhibit includes:
Eight-pointed Mirror, Auspicious flower and pair of phoenixes design, Heian period, 11th-12th century (Important Cultural Property)
Mirror, Paulownia and bamboo design, By Ao Ietsugu, Azuchi-Momoyama period, dated 1588
Square Mirror, Auspicious flower and mythical Chinese beast design, Excavated from Yamadasakuratani-cho, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Nara period, 8th century (Gift of Mr. Araki Otojiro)