GJPaw Auctions is pleased to offer a fine and beautiful antique Japanese mirror or kagami made from cast bronze, together with the original lacquered wood case. Bronze mirrors were introduced into Japan from China during the Yayoi period (about 300 BC - AD 300). Early Japanese mirrors used a number of designs based on Chinese originals. Their function was mainly religious as they were regarded as symbols of authority. Later, the Japanese soon learnt to make their own mirrors using the lost-wax technique, decorating them with Chinese or traditional Japanese designs. The faces of mirrors were highly polished or burnished, with itinerant tinners and polishers specializing in this work. Bronze mirrors were replaced by glass mirrors after the Meiji Restoration (1868). These pieces were popular as wedding gifts, with the decoration usually symbolic of eternity and harmony. This very beautiful round hand mirror has a low relief decoration to the back with pine trees, and a crane set in a traditional Japanese landscape. Cranes mate for life, so they are often used as emblems of marital fidelity. They also appear at New Year to signify long life. The mirror measures 10.5 inches in diameter by 15.25 inches in height (26.6 cm by 38.7 cm), including the original lacquered wood case. It shows wear consistent with a dating to the late Meiji period (1868-1912), including rubbing, buffing, tiny scratches and oxidization. This is a fine collector’s piece and would make a worthy addition to any collection of Japanese kagami, art, mirrors, or Asian art in general.

GJPaw Auctions has been in the Art business for over 25 years and is now expanding its operation to eBay.  Our goal is to bring the same experience and excitement of collecting that we have been delivering in-person to collectors across the Globe at Primitive in Chicago.  Every object we sell online has been carefully hand-selected with special attention to detail, quality, and significance. We ship worldwide. Add GJPaw to Sellers you Follow and please take a moment to look at our other auction items.

A1900-194